More BBC Bristol

Ohh, I had another track played on BBC Bristol Introducing. A fantastic little number called "I Opened that Door Again".

Bugger, I missed it, though. I would love to know what they thought of it. Its a track so fractious and odd that its coming round the other side and become catchy as hell.

I shall stick it up here soon.

In my Dream, I Made a Film

Here's another new track:

In my Dream, I Made a Film

The title is QUITE self-explanatory. I had a dream in which I was making a film (and it was better than yours). Not only was I making it, I was staring in it. It was a scary film, where there was some great, big dirty bomb that went off. Only a few survivors remained. At least, remained normal. It was quite John Carpenter.

Anyway, I did some improvisation the next day, needed words, and it was that dream which came to me.

Recorded in my bedroom in half an hour, yet so far played by the two radio shows I have sent it to: Adam Walton on BBC Radio Wales and Bristol Introducing on BBC Bristol. The former called it weirder than Captain Beefheart, the latter challenging. Both laughed. Hmm.

I really like this song, it's fun. I especially like the ending "I'd call it Dan's Film. About a Bomb." Which I would do. If only one of those damn studios would commission it. The Man, huh?

Enjoy

BBC Bristol...

Call listening to Steveless a challenge.

I like that; bit of effort by me, bit of effort by you. In the end we're all a bit worn out but satisfied.

No pain no gain.

BBC Bristol Introducing

So, new Steveless track on BBC Bristol Introducing tonight again, 1am to 3 am. Yes, that's really tomorrow, but they call it Sunday.

I missed it last night as I'm a bit ill, so not sure what track it was. But do listen folks, because it'll be a good one! And it's a great show anyway.

BBC Bristol Introducing

There will be a new Steveless track played on this week's Bristol Introducing on BBC Radio Bristol.

I'm not sure what track it is yet; shall have to wait and see.

You can listen between 1am and 3am both Saturday and Sunday nights.

You can get it online on the BBC website or, if you're near the city, on DAB or FM at 94.9, 103.6 or 104.

Good.

Steveless; according to Adam Walton

I just really loved the description Adam Walton made of Steveless on his show last night. I never bothered to note any of the fun ones from last time I did Steveless, so I'm making a point of keeping this one now:

"If you’ve ever wondered what kind of music Captain Beefheart would listen to and go “Pff, that’s a bit wierd”; then it would probably be Steveless."

That's me.

Run

Oh, way back when, in 2004, I believe, the wonderful, sadly departed, Taffpop Records of Swansea, released the first Steveless single.




















They put it out as a split with Swansea's finest (if ever there was a backhanded compliment...) Syd Howells and his mob Photographed by Lightning.




















More of that blighter another time, though perhaps you could also seek out Steveless and Syd Howells, Syd Howells, Thee Bable Fish, Doris Karloff or The Disasters records in the meantime. If you're still sane after all of that, then you're welcome to return here.

Anyway, Syd's side was Eyes on Stalks; my side was Run.

This was the first track I ever recorded with a drum kit on it. I'd had it the previous week for Chrimbob and was keen to use it, so I set it up and then set the tape player going.

I thought I could now do "proper" songs.

This was the start of my recording experience, really. In those days, I didn't know how to cut the beginning off a song, so it begins with a bit of quiet bumbling as I ran from the tape recorder to the drum stool on the other side of the room. Of course, I was improvising, so I then proceeded to hit the drums for a while until I found a beat; this had the twin benefit of also giving me some warning for when I added the other layers of instruments/vocals later. I was never able to start a song right away, and I hate count-ins. So, to ruin what might otherwise be an ever so dramatic and portentous intro; it was all practicalities, round my way.

I can't remember what the song is about. But I was a moody little student at the time, so clearly it would be all about me. That's what people want, though, right?

I haven't listened to it yet, and will do so when I upload it in a minute. I do know, though, that it's bloody good and I have always been quite proud of it. I was chuffed to pieces that Taffpop wanted to release it. One day, I shall talk more about Taffpop, putting the single together and the launch party. But I'm hungry and want to get off. Suffice to say, this was a good moment for Steveless, it got a bit of attention and some good radio play, including BBC Radio One and BBC Radio Wales.

It's still available in some shops now. Although, for a lot more than it used to be. So, for those buggers still selling it - and at marked up prices - I'm sorry, but its now free. That one sale you hoped for in the next five years...probably not happening.

Download to your heart's content:

Run

Adam Walton on Radio Wales

So, the first of my new Steveless songs got their first radio play this weekend; on Adam Walton's Radio Wales show of 14th. It was a song called 'In my Dream, I Made a Film'; which Adam described as a little too weird for Captain Beefheart. Perfect description, thank you Adam.

For the next week or so, you can listen to it here on the BBC iPlayer:

Adam Walton - 14/02/2010

The Steveless track is near the end, at about two hours and forty five minutes in, after a beautiful song by Cate le Bon. But that is irrelevant; you should listen to the whole show if you like new and exciting musics. Always interesting, with a wonderfully enthusiastic and endearing presenter. His show is on every Sunday from ten pm to one am on the Monday. Worth starting a new week knackered for.

I shall post another Steveless track up here later.