8 tracks done, 4 to go…

Hey folks,

I went into the studio today and blasted out the vocals on another 3 tunes. I have now completed 8 tracks and only have 4 more vocals to do before the album is complete.

I know it seems like it has taken ages but all together so far, it’s only taken 14 days. I have had to spread it out due to costs but to nearly have an album done in two weeks, is pretty impressive in my book.

The financial situation that musicians have to face is incredible. Did you know that my first album, It gets worse at night, was released on iTunes on December 7th 2009? That is nearly 2 years to the day, and I have still not seen ONE PENNY of the sales revenue that album generated. Pretty mad eh?

So for that reason, this album has taken longer due to the distinct lack of funds at my disposal. I guess that’s why so many acts these days come from privileged backgrounds and attended private schools. They need Daddies money just to fund their careers.

But, despite what you may have read about my family in the papers recently, I come from a normal working class background and therefore, funding an album takes it’s time.

They may have the funds, but at least I have the soul.

Basically, I just went round the houses to say, ‘Sorry it’s taken two years to come up with a second album’. I just hope you think it was worth the wait!

I was using the working title ‘The Non-Delivery Boy’ for the record. Based on the fact that I have promised much in several different areas and failed to deliver in each. Did you know I was once voted by Bob Wilson (Arsenal & Scotland) as ‘The most promising goalkeeper in Britain’? There’s a fact for you!

But despite not quite making it in football, Ice Hockey and music, I am very proud of what I have achieved. Representing your Country is certainly not something to feel bad about. So for that reason, I have scrapped the title. It’s too negative. I want this album to be a positive thing. A rebirth after a couple of pretty horrible years personally.

Now I’m thinking the title ‘The long road to the middle’ is more fitting. Some people have bumpier rides than others, but fundamentally, we’re all going to the same place. We’re all equal.

x

New Album, Alex Lloyd & Movember…

Hey folks,

I hope you are all splendidly well.

I have finished the tracks for my new album. On Monday, I start the vocals. Should be finished with them within the next 3 or 4 weeks. Then a quick mastering and it’s all finished.

I haven’t worked out a running order yet but the tracks I have laid down are…

Jenny, Satellites & Wires, Colours, Remember Who You Are, A Brand New Battle, What’s Love Without Meaning, Paint The Town Red, Beat Up, Growing Pains, Don’t Say It, Adrienne & Sleep With The Girl.

I don’t have an album title yet but I’ve been using the working title of ‘The Non-Delivery Boy’. It seems that in my late twenties I’ve realised that as a footballer, musician & ice hockey player, I promised much, but never quite delivered. So I guess the title is a tongue in cheek dig at myself.

I can’t wait for you to hear the record. It does sound great. Totally up another level from ‘It gets worse at night’. As long as I am getting better and not worse, I should be pleased right?

As soon as the record is done and released, I’ll be back out on tour across Europe and across the UK. I’ll keep you posted.

Tonight is Thursday night. That means one thing. The G & Tippers Show. On tonight’s festivities is the legend that is Alex Lloyd. Massive MASSIVE artist from Australia. He’ll be pitching his wits against yours truly in the G & Tippers quiz. I hope I won’t let my fellow English down!

Also, check out my Movember efforts. I think you’ll be quietly impressed.

x

Song for Wembley.

Hey folks.

If you don’t already know, my Dad is speaking at Wembley Arena on October 27th next year. (Click here for tickets)

Well I have been entrusted with the job of writing and recording a song to support the event. It’s Wembley Arena and god knows how many thousand people. So no pressure like…

I am massively stoked though as it’s a hell of an honour and a huge achievement for me personally.

As a musician, playing at Wembley Arena is the equivalent of playing at Derby County’s Pride Park as a young footballer. Or maybe that was just me?

I’m back in the studio with the lads Tomorrow to lay down another track for the album. That’ll be track number 8 done and dusted and only 4 more tracks to go until the album is completed.

I know it’s been a while since my first record. I hope this one is worth the wait.

Hope you’re well. x

As yet un-named…

Hello folks.

Am in the studio today. We’re laying down a completely new tune. It hasn’t even got a name yet. Any ideas?

The track is about the nightmare that is long distance relationships and the trauma that loneliness causes for an already tortured mind. Sounds upbeat eh? Truth is it is. It’s a 128 bpm tempo which is apparently the pop song formula. We’ll see!

This will be track number 8 of the album complete. We’re getting there and the record is really taking shape. I sincerely hope you feel as positive when you hear it, as I do now.

I am sorry I’ve been a bit crap with the old posts recently. I’ve been so busy with various things that I literally don’t have time.

But I will make time. Shit loads of news to come soon. TV pitches and book publications to name a couple.

Be safe all! x

A Brand New Battle.

OiOi.

Spent the day in the studio and am now 7 tracks into my album. I know it’s an odd day here and an odd day there. But I’m juggling work, radio show and football. And of course, it’s expensive!

We recorded ‘A Brand New Battle’ today. I reckon it’s earmarked as a single so it was nice to get it down and hear it sounding good. There is nothing worse than pinning your hopes on a song and then when you add the other instruments, it dies a slow, painful death.

I have a couple of shows this weekend. Check out the gigs page.

They’re only local but as soon as the album is done, I’m off on the road again. I hope Germany kept my bar stool warm.

xxx

Six tracks into the album…

Hello people,

I’ve just left the studio having completed track number six of my second album. I am finally starting to get the buzz about you guys all hearing it. It certainly won’t be what you expect. It is very different.

Today I finished a track called ‘Jenny’. That means I’m half way through. It’s all downhill from here…in theory!

You know when you feel that one person is ‘the one’? Like no matter what happens or where you are, there is that one person that will forever be inside you heart and head? Every Forest Gump needs his Jenny. Hence the name.

I have a couple of shows this weekend. Check out the shows page!

x

Back in the studio.

Oi!

I’m back in the studio tomorrow. Can’t wait to get in and start work on track 4 of my album. We’re three tracks down and the sound is already starting to come out. It’s obviously making it easier when we know what direction we’re going in. It’s different, I’ll let on that much.

The lads at Studio 5a have been great. Claydon worked with me on ‘It Gets Worse At Night’ so knows what I’m all about. And Guy has been awesome and brought forward some wicked ideas and a new approach.

There are some parts of this record that will remind you of early 90s grunge, parts that sound very poppy and other bits that resemble the XX. It’s definitely going to be different. I sincerely hope you’ll like it.

As soon as I’m done with the record, I’ll be straight back on the road across the UK and Europe. I’ll keep you up to date on all progress and hopefully get a few rough clips of the tunes on here as we go.

Stay lucky. x

Recording starts again…

Hey everyone,

I’m back in the studio again in the morning. I can’t wait to crack on with the recording of my second album. It feels like a billion years since ‘It Gets Worse At Night’ was recorded in London.

This new record is already one track down as me and the lads at Studio 5b laid Adrienne down a few weeks ago. That sounded rude.

I’ll get updates and song clips up as soon as I can.

x

Swan Fest this Saturday…

Hey everyone,

I’m playing a FREE family festival this Saturday (20th) in Oxfordshire. When I say free family, I mean it’s free entry and child friendly. I don’t mean you can turn up and leave with a wife and two kids for free. That simply wouldn’t work.

The Festival is called Swan Fest and is at The Swan in Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, Oxon.

I’m on stage fro 2:15 until 3pm. Should be a craic with loads of good bands playing. And it’s all free. That helps.

If you’re about, come on down.

I’ll be playing loads of new material as I’m back in the studio on Tuesday. Exciting!

x