2023 has been quite a year.
In many ways, triumphant.
In many ways challenging.
The realisation kicked in hard, that for an independent artist approaching 2024, it has never been easier to record and then to release new music, but it’s never been harder to be heard.
One thing I’ve learned in a year when my records sold, and the Radio made space for me, is that it has never been more difficult for an independent musician to earn a living playing their own tunes.
15% of grassroots venues across the UK closed their doors in 2023, while the owner of Spotify is worth 3 times more than Paul McCartney.
Most emerging artists make nothing from streaming.
Go figure..
When the greats are no longer with us in 10/15 years, the future is going to be very uncertain unless sustainable measures are put in place.
A salute, then, to the Independent musicians, venue owners, promoters, and everyone else who’s followed their dream and does this because this is the only choice they ever had. The hours of isolation writing and recording, while the constant outside pressures of life, paying bills, and earning a living remains ever present.
To music fans, we need you more than ever next year.
Buy a ticket, buy an album, buy a T-Shirt – it really makes a difference.
Please: support new music.
That being said, my sincere thanks to everyone who has shared this journey the last few years and to those new faces who have arrived more recently. Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to see new and familiar faces in the audiences everywhere we’ve played this year. Seriously, thank you.
Much love to ‘The Crown Electric’ who have given up their time and energy to ensure the the band are, at last, cooking on gas.
To my incredible wife, for putting up with my travelling and unsociable hours: the many missed events with friends and family.
And to my manager Robbo, for getting it.
A few of the highlights of 2023 in the photos, including picking up ‘Best Male Artist’ of the year from Radio Wigwam, one of the major digital radio stations for promoting new music.
I had the pleasure of opening for the wonderful Marc Almond on his European Tour in March & April, with dates across Netherlands, Spain & Austria. As with the UK dates the previous autumn, the respect and appreciation from Marc’s audience was off the scale. Especially in Spain. And most notably, Madrid…
Signing a publishing deal with Pop-Up Music at RAK Studios with MD Mark Garfield.
Being a part of the Amped team, I was introduced to so many remarkable up and coming talented artists across the UK.
Finishing the year with a main stage slot at Shiiine On Festival.
See you all on the other side.
‘24 and there’s so much more..