Dai Sharkey Project one
2012
25/04/12
Well, I was going to write this journal methodically but even I
know I can't do anything methodically, regularity drives me mad, so I'm always
doing 100 things at any one time, some may never be finished, but lots will,
better than never finishing anything I start.
So let me re-trace my steps....Tuesday 17th April 2012, I got my
first payment from the Arts council. I think it was £8550, but I'm not that
concerned, thats why I'm not sure whether that's the right amount or not,
(although I have actually been finding my memory recall alot better in the last
few weeks). I went and put petrol in the car, I wasn't getting my benefits till
the Wednesday so we were skint, so I was more than happy to be able to get the
family out.
Thursday, I went over to Rich's studio, not what I anticipated
but then life isn't, I drank too much coffee, didn't eat, but really enjoyed
being welcomed into his home and his life. I am more confident than ever that
we are going to achieve great and wild things....stirring the pot as we go.
Rich is so encouraging to me and re-assures me all the time, I believe he can
do the things he says and thus I'm able to relax, confident in the knowledge
that he is actually in control of this....coz....um...honestly...I feel less in
control than ever, placing my life in the hands of people I would ordinarily
avoid. (I'm only saying that because I don't know the people very well, if at
all, and I'm not very confident entrusting anyone to actually do what they say)
I'm sure I will get to know them all and welcome them into my
life as family.
Rich and I made plans of what we're going to do first and sort
of got a mutual idea of how we're going to do it. I know I'm not being specific
about things but I want them to be a surprise for all that hear it (and see it
soon) and to keep the suspense up I'm keeping things under my hat until they've
happened, I'll write about it then.
Rich really inspired me to really analyse the songs and 'listen'
to them to create something special with each one.
Left my guitar stand at his house, been bummed about it all
weekend, must bring it home with me next week.
Friday, 'Sandwich' playing in the Nelson for me (apparently were
really good, pity I had to miss them) and 'the acoustic circus' playing @ the
cellar bar.
I went over to Cardigan, picking Trish up on the way, she wasn't
on a good head but we had a 90 minute journey during which we weren't to argue
through. (she hates my use of words because I like their strength and she tells
me that they are not necessarily accurately descriptive) I say argue, Trish
would say debate.
Got to the cellar bar in good spirits, clambered downstairs to
the wonderfully musky smell of the cellar, lovely space to play.
Ron turned up, cheering me instantly with a grin, a wink and a
hug, giving me that 'big brother's here' sort of feeling.
Steve Kelly was there so we convinced him to sing a song to
start the evening off. We played it in rounds until an hour flew by, had a
break, I kicked off 2nd half with 'dogfish' for a bloke I met who could sell me
dogfish jewellery and then we played in rounds for over an hour, then jammed
for nearly another. Ron is a great 'includer' so he got the audience singing
along and laughing at his bad jokes, something I'm lacking in.....no, not bad
jokes, communication skills, I try and use the music and their accompanying anecdotes
to grab peoples attention. Actually, I've noticed that when I play somewhere
'cold' (that is, for the first time with no-one hearing me before) I usually
pick up 2-3 likers, even if I'm playing to 50.lol I'm happy with that ratio,
they are usually really nice people....I'd like to think Dai Sharkey could have
'the nicest fans on the planet', and who wouldn't want to join that club?
Funny though, I announced after I'd finished playing, as I do,
that if you would like to hear more 'Google me, Dai Sharkey' and the 'loud one'
shouted "no thanks", to which I had an inner chuckle. (not nice if
you're one of the kids playing on stage, but for me, I've got kids, I can
handle hecklers)
Anyway, there I go, wandering off again....friday, I had a buzz
on, I had been to see Alun at Cadno's and bought my new guitar, give it a good
try, wasn't 100% happy but Ron did tell me that I was playing it like I played
my Fender and thus I had to 'be nice' to it, observation from a great guitar
tutor, advice that I heeded and feel more comfortable playing it now, also
reminding myself to play gentler has given my songs greater ambience, so, great
improvement no.1 thanks to DAC.
Got back early hours Saturday, dropped Trish off, emptied the
car and crawled off to bed exhausted, but content. That is a nice place to be.
Saturday, birthday shopping (Le's birthday on monday) then out
to play with my cousin, we drunk too much beer, got in at 5am and we're both
still unsure where we went. lol
Sunday, a day of rest, so I planned, but alas, hours online,
emails etc only to find an artist wasn't playing at the Nelson so I needed to
cover, well, I felt it was right to do so and I'm glad I did. I played a lethargic,
unplanned set, sat down and listened to Rachel Rimmer, wow, beautiful tones,
nice measure of ambience and sound quality and perfectly for me, not too
loud.lol I actually heard someone say "she's the best artist I've
seen..." At one stage, for the first time all night I may add, everyone in
the pub was silent watching and listening to her, I soaked up the good vibes
and came home happy that not only was I feeling good, but that I had convinced
Rachel to travel 50 miles to give that good feeling she creates to the lovely
people at the Nelson. Nice....thanks Rach, if you should ever read this.
After more musically intellectual convo with Pete, I went home
and inevitably spent hours online, uploading pics of the weekend, doing vids
and uploading them, answering messages and posting my links as well as
constantly helping other artists online by 'liking their pages, playing their
tunes, sharing their posts and socialising on G+ and IML on FB.
Before I went to bed, I put up birthday prep for Leah when she
got up.
Leahs birthday, great, a little retail therapy followed by a
steak and cake. Had Sky singing "Habe birde toyoo" we all soaked up
the smiles and enjoyed each-others company for a change.
Then today, tuesday 25th, had to be in Llandeilo for a
photoshoot with the Journal for 4pm, couldn't find the pub, couldn't get anyone
on the phone, got there at 4.30. Went to Sticks'n'Pics, picked up my amp
(taking it over the studio), Ron bought me tea, went back to his for a munch
then went to Lampeter to play in the Kings Head.
Parked up in town, went for a wander to find some cash and went
to the pub, It was me and the barman. Lesley was upstairs so I chilled, felt
safe, and chatted to the barman till people arrived in droves. At one stage,
about six guitars came through the door at the same time, I told one lady I
felt like it was a spaghetti western. My mind freaks out in those situations, I
work so hard to keep a grip on things. I've learnt to find a space where I'm
comfortable and not to move till I'm orientated, otherwise I pace around while
the shadows and dots distract my eyes, waiting for my mind to calm a little. I
quite like a loud jukebox in the pub, the cocofane it creates is similar to
what I normally hear in my head, giving me a kind of equilibrium, head
mad-check, world mad-check, gives me calm, at least perceived as such.
Rambling again....the performers were ok tonight, a few stood
out, a newbie singing and playing, lovely voice, and a regular playing the
piano, young guy, long hair, nice to hear something different, and that good.
After I played my set Lesley came over and apologised for not
realising it was me and that she hadn't 'taken care of me' (not in the gangster
way), to which I told her that I knew she was there and wanted to chill and
observed what goes on over there. I want everyone to have the same treatment so
I'm just one of the punters, she did thank me for the advice and help I've
given her over the last few months but I told her I'm happy to do so, when I
can, if I can. Made a pact with her that I'd do a fundraiser for her in
Oct/Nov, would be my pleasure.
Got home at 2am and started this, it's now 4.11am and I'm just
finishing it, I have to try and organise this better...I just haven't got
enough hours in the day or head space to do it all. I need help, I'm going to
have to convince someone to help me, full time. Not sure how...but I'll find a
solution....leave it with me..
Wednesday...to do....food shopping...horse
riding...rehearsing...online PR......my house is being neglected too....I just
don't have time to do it all....fix rail, mow lawns, waterproof awning, finish
repairing landing ceiling, order parts for the car, get windscreen washer
fixed.....I'd like to kiss my wife and smile with the kids too where-ever
possible...."I'm not complaining, nothing's ever good enough for me"
