New Year, New Post.

A new year and a new post. This year has already been busy. Not on the music scene but on the personal scene, as I am now happily married and part of a new growing family. Since moving over here we have been continuing with our visa and employment paperwork and are currently awaiting the final (ish) stage. It was also the most expensive stage but after this is complete I can finally work and live in the USA, for the next 2 years. Then we have to file for permanent citizenship, what an effort but all worth it. It defiantly is worth it as we both looked into each other’s eyes and said our vows; it confirmed our never ending love.

The weekend started on Friday night setting up and rehearsing for the big day, we were given three hours but it went far too fast. We managed to added finishing touches to the already beautiful venue and felt ready for the magical event to begin. After a family fish fry we headed in different directions with the aim of meeting up down the aisle. I arrived at the venue early to make sure everything was about to run smooth, after some technical issues with the music, we were ready to walk. Standing at the top of alter with everyone we cared about around us, it was one of the best feeling ever. The final bars of the song started as my beautiful blushing bride took to the aisle, I had to turn away and bite my lip to hold back the emotion that had come over me. Even when Kimberly was standing upon the alter I found it hard to stay composed. The ceremony went well and the whirlwind begun as the time flew by too fast. From photographs to food, dance to goodbyes it was all over in a flash. We could not have planned and delivered a better day as everyone left smiling and some even had free pizzas, 65 pizzas was too many but you can’t go wrong with pizza.

The week of the wedding and week after the wedding was also a memorable time as my mother took her first flight ever! And it was over to the USA, what a crazy but dedicated mother, she is amazing and anyone would be proud to have her.

January and February came and went, along with the delivery of love and gifts from the families on both sides of the Atlantic. Unfortunately we still need the house to put them in but I am sure it is not far off as we stay positive together. Now the waiting game continues as we see how long the government will keep up guessing of what’s next. The strength to carry on comes from the love for each other and the notion or dream of we can do anything together.

P.S. I now have an Instagram to share more of my photos so check it out, yo!
@thisishybridphoto

 

 

 

Seasons Greetings

So here it is, an update on my blog. After living in the USA for a month, I can happily say that I feel comfortable here; it just feels like living in another part of the country, with new city, places and people to meet.  Of course the best thing is being close to your other half, knowing that there isn’t a flight or obstacle that will stop you spending a moment together, feels amazing and such a relief. As for the paperwork, for me especially it continues, from social security to driving, more money and forms are needed. Thinking ahead, hopefully by this time next year, there will be no more and I can work towards developing my career and continue my monthly podcasts.

As what has happened in the mean time, take a gander at the few shows I recently went to below. The last UK shows were, Alien Ant Farm and the brilliant Allusondrugs with some great local and international supports. Then my first ever gig over the pond, here in USA, was a radio Christmas show. The Mini festival starred Bastille, Awolnation and Andrew McMahon, and safe to say was an event. All three acts commanded the crowed as their own.  Overall, it was a warming and electrifying show all round, made even better by finding two dollars on the floor, poor people I tell you.

Another standout moment of my time here so far was my first Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and my better half we got to host the brilliant holiday complete with tasty food. As well as meeting my new nephew in law, happiest baby ever!

So to the future and the New Year, in terms of music another podcast is coming soon with interviews to follow but due to no travel they will be less often. Personally, the wedding is less than two months away! We both can’t wait and are excited to host one of the biggest days of our lives. To celebrate our love with others and eat great food is no better way to do it.

Here is to the future friends, happy holidays 2016.

 

Hamburg Demonstrations

Not content enough with bringing back the Libertines in 2016, enigmatic front man Pete Doherty is back yet again with a new solo LP, entitled Hamburg Demonstrations. The LP is not available until early December to the public but we grabbed an exclusive copy to give you an insight on what to expect.

For those not used to Pete’s music, this is the second solo album he has released. Like the first this record captures the heart and imagination of Pete and the world we currently live in. From the exciting opening track of ‘Kolly Kibber’ to third track ‘Birdcage’ the sound is iconic and fresh. The same can be said for next track, ‘Hell To Pay At The Gate Of Heaven’ but the lyrics are more hard hitting, reflecting the terrorist attacks currently effecting the world. This leads on to an emotional tribute to Amy Winehouse in ‘Flags From The Old Regime’. The middle part of the album could be the weakest of this body of work but will more than appeal to diehard fans. Current single ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Anyone)’ is a brilliant representation of this album as a whole and would not look out of place in a Tom Petty or Adam Green compilation. The album closes on one of my favourite songs off the record, ‘She Is Far’, as the track highlights the romantic and beautiful side to Pete’s writing.

This is a record which reflects both on topical events and the classic signature sound of Nick Cave; however, it has been brought forward to the 21^st Century by Pete with his eclectic eye. Hamburg Demonstrations is just a taste of what Pete Doherty has to offer as a poetic lyricist and master of his age. Pre-order the record now to see what it is all about.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://twitter.com/petedoherty

A Grand Gig

After being around for just over a year the two piece of, Lets Eat Grandma have accomplished so much from Jools Holland to releasing their debut album to a flood of people, they will be the band on every ones lips come next year.

With that in mind and after picking up their album I decided I must see this spectacle in person. So I headed down to Leeds to see the band support Anna Meredith at Belgrave Music Hall. Not only was it my first time in the venue, a brilliant restaurant/venue similar to Headrow House, it was my first time seeing all three bands.

First band, XAM DUO are no stranger to Leeds venues and no stranger to a large crowd it seems as they demonstrate the ability to capture the audience’s attention by becoming one with their instruments. Think of the ambient sounds of Gold Panda to Apex Twin and you will not be far from their sound.

The second support and reason we are here is, Let’s Eat Grandma. From the enigmatic stage entrance they stun the audience jumping from instrument to instrument within a batter of an eye lid. They play a set far too short, with tracks from their debut album and a new one titled Believe (I think). They have little interaction with the audience but this is certainly forgiven in these early stages of their music, as they grow as stage performers.

Main performers, Anna Meredith and her band equally capture the audience’s attention with their unique and eclectic rhythms. This topped the night off with a bang and rapturous applause. This show was one of them, I was there moments and wouldn’t change it for the world.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://letseatgrandma.co.uk/

The Show Lies Skyward

Some new bands falter by wanting to replicate what has come before, however with new prog-rock band Foes, they are setting out their unique style by reaching skyward harnessing galactic melodies.

Three supports open the night up tonight, the first is a cool local band who’s name is all but a bitter at the moment and fail to grip me. The second is a band I have championed before with their impressively wild yet beautiful set they leave the audience stunned and wanting more. On to the equally talented touring band, Siamese all the way from Germany. There set is one for headline shows, as they fire on all cylinders gaining new fans each show. It could be there catchy tunes or the introduction of a violin to this metal environment. They came, saw and conquered tonight.

Foes maybe a new band on the scene but the members have a lot of mileage, having toured across the country in many a different bands they have both experience and practice at putting on a show. Tonight’s show demonstrates their professional yet talented musicianship as they take the show skywards, it might be a small show to them but to them it feels like it’s their biggest to date. Their supersonic songs are backed up by brilliant showmanship, bring the audience into their world. This is what live music was made for.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/foesuk/

More Than A Ullage

After jetting around the world the Eagulls are back promoting their new album, ‘Ullage’ on their home turf of Yorkshire.

Tonights show is a welcome return to Eagulls, selling out the Adelphi tonight was easy for this band, but it was the support acts that sealed the deal. First act tonight was a last minute addition of the Eagulls driver, a kind humble gent know as 99 Watts, who is simply enjoying playing with this keyboard and pedals. Second support should need know introduction, it is home grown lads, Life. With this being a warm up show for their Slaves UK and European tour they don’t hold back providing a raucous set from start to finish.

Touring support and arguably join headliners is Protomartyr from Detroit, their set was certainly unique as plough through a long list of tracks. Their show was not for me as it did little to excite me. As for actual headliners, the Eagulls provided a much better soundtrack for the night with their melodic sounds and captivating chords. Playing songs off both albums they capture and inspire the audience’s attention from start to finish. The Eagulls are a great representation of the quality music scene the UK has to offer at the moment, and this has been recognised further as Eagulls spread their wings again, touring Asia as part of culture showcases on behalf of British arts council.

This is one band who will flourish as their shows grow bigger and bolder.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.eagulls.co.uk/eagulls/

Flying High

After being in the music business for over ten years, The Pigeon Detectives have managed to maintain their position as one of the stand out bands on the scene. Not only do they have a loyal following they have the musical credentials to back it up. Gearing up for another album release (as yet untitled), they show no signs of slowing down, and announcing yet another almost sold out tour for March 2017.

Judging by the new track, ‘Lose Control’ it is easy to see why fans and newcomers alike are getting behind this band once again. The track hints is nostalgic yet still fresh, still being true to their roots unlike other Yorkshire acts like Kaiser Chiefs who are adopting more electronics. The show tonight reflects the old school ethos of the band by them inviting along a brand new band to open for them. The support delivered in warming up the crowd for the headliners but it was the headliners that sold this show out months in advance.

As The Pigeon Detectives launch into their first song the venue comes alive with the dedicated fan base out in force tonight at the Welly Club in Hull. Singalongs are standard and mosh pits are many as the Leeds band unite the audience as one, with hit tracks, ‘This Is An Emergency’ and ‘I’m Not Sorry’. This is not The Pigeon Detectives come back but them carrying on flying high as an act to see as they hit the road next year!

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://thepigeondetectives.com/