AndyTravis

Yeah, yeah I do: I’ve got a body of work; I write songs - some are bloody good. It’s my outlet and it keeps me busy - like all artists, I’d love it to be my full time job.

Oh my…weird few months. As my old band Fiasco Jam was causing me issues - detailed elsewhere… I agreed to help a mates band out - they’re well known in Manchester and have a really decent following… They’ve been on hiatus for a while and their old bass player moved back home to Italy so they were stuck. I wanted an “out” from FJ so I wrote 4 songs for them and agreed to join. Fiasco Jam folded and the singer and Drummer asked me to carry on. ”this is great, I can do both” I thought… Things have changed - work gave me a promotion, which is good…but is chewing time. The build is ongoing and costing…and stressful. My dad’s been in hospital, mum not doing great… mother in law seems to be in rapid decline. I have just “quit” the new band - no big show, but I’ve prioritised myself; I’ve spent a day learning their setlist for a gig next month. reassuringly 3 of the tunes I wrote are on the list - but I must say the old stuff isn’t really my cup of tea. I’ve sent the message, the rehearsal will be awkward tomorrow but they’ve got 5 weeks if they’re not ok with me helping out to find someone else. That’s fine by me if they do. I’ve offered to transcribe and video any lines I’ve done to help and record the EP for them if they want me to. But I think I feel reassured that it’s the right shout.

Paul bought some machineheads from me - all absolutely fantastic stuff x

So in the past I was in a couple of funkier bands The 602 Flying Oceans The latter of which broke up when the singer and I had a huge difference of opinion… Anyhow, time heals. I’m very proud of those 2 ep’s. Both bands only managed a gig apiece. A real shame. So 2025 - I had an idea knocking about - and I knew it would suit his vocal style massively and in the spirit of being current here’s a ChatGPT review… ”A brooding slice of indie reflection, “The Right Year” finds Matt Ashworth balancing regret and resilience over a quietly magnetic rhythm section. The bassline hums with tension — a low, determined pulse that drives the track forward beneath shimmering guitars and a weary, honest vocal. It’s part confession, part catharsis; a late-night walk through memory and possibility. The production is clean and restrained, maybe too polite at times, but Ashworth’s emotional control keeps you hooked. Thoughtful, unhurried and quietly cinematic — this might not be the right year, but it’s a promising one for Ashworth.” https://on.soundcloud.com/vPPOIozFot1ocAdIHI

A mate had one of these in full form and even with the shonky “ABT” own brand pickups it was a burpy marvel - a very lovely thing; think he paid £100 for it. id persevere and spray it an obnoxious metallic orange or green neon once you’ve resolved its issues x

So this band imploded after the September gig. The new band is the old singer and drummer… With 2 bass players sharing the stuff with strings. Should be absolutely fine now.

Think the TB had the cool tube preamp…seemed to kick in about 2005. you used to be able to choose your Takamine guitar and then choose the preamp separately… it confused punters - and I think I did 6 or 7 stock takes counting the unsold preamps and guitars…

So @Dankologyand I have been working on something together. Owing to the demise of my previous band (there’s a post on the acrimonious band split thread)… We’ve been sharing ideas and today we recorded our first single… This is ”Letters He Left” And we’ll be sharing bass/guitar/baritone/Bass Vi duties https://www.facebook.com/share/1BY5pGLUQR/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/lettersheleft?igsh=MXZwY2diNXNja3l4cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

@BigRedX I feel I answered the OP’s question.

Shuker artist series?

We played 2 nights at the Chorley festival last year - Friday and a Saturday. its a multi-venue thing across the town. first night peaked with a ukulele orchestra and by the time we played, one couple and 6 people who I knew arrived. the second night in a more “prime” venue - was absolutely rammed… it’s a venue problem as well as a band concern.