I’m probably not the only one that’s come out of the pandemic thinking so…what happens now? I actually enjoyed a large amount of the lockdowns, going back to basics and finding more enjoyment in the simple things. The harder bits were either coming out or heading back in.
Now we do seem to be out, into the new OK, the pressure seems to have been turned right up. In a way the pandemic took some self criticism away because we were making the best of a bad situation with very real limits set on us, but now, shouldn’t I (we?) be suddenly achieving our long held ambitions, as simple as a light turning on?
I was scared during the pandemic of just jumping back into the racing around, however the new normal is starting to look a lot like the old one, for better or worse.

I read the quote of the title a few days ago, and it summed up what complete happiness is to me, and in such a simple way.
When trying to find the path back to better living I make lists of things I enjoy, or would like to do, but this often becomes another form of to do list, plus some self criticism of how little of it is currently happening.

However at my happiest, I have no idea of the time, it just seems to stretch. It could be doing anything, reading, walking with a friend, just staring at the world outside with a cup of tea. However for that passage of time, I don’t hear the clock, and maybe that’s the most magical feeling in life.

Some updates on a personal front, currently writing this from Portugal (what lovely people, and what an amazing climate), and touching wood, with the people I was worrying about, hopefully I don’t need to worry so much right now.

I’m joining a modelling agency which will be an exciting new chapter (guess what, they take average looking guys too!), I actually really enjoy it, and it pays well which will help my next musical steps.

Finally, I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough direction wise, there’s a crazy amount of pressure when making music but I’ve think I’ve found a way out. There’s this strange expectation to be smashing Spotify streams, making great quality videos, playing with a great band, playing lots of the right gigs, collaborating with the right people, just basically being a good boy / girl and spending a lot of money. So I’ve decided this is my aim:

Sell a couple of songs to a film soundtrack, do some modelling and take that money to Iceland, record there and explore the amazing nature. If some great gigs fall my way then of course I’ll gratefully take them too. Outside of that I’m tapping out.
Above is a clip of three new finished songs, hopefully coming to your ears soon, and then maybe even paying for my flight to Iceland. Let’s see.

If you’re reading this then thank you, and I hope you’re doing well, never be shy to drop me a message.

Will

Has anyone else struggled to get going this year?
I was on a roll at the start of Jan but it feels like the car has broken down, the wheel has truly come off. I’m not sure there’s a spare in the boot either so may be here a while.

It’s a tough time for me personally, but I think it is for so many people, it’s really been clear lately that we have no idea the struggles that others are having. If you see me out and about I’ll be friendly and smiling, but underneath that it’s a difficult moment. It’s made me think how many people are in a similar place or worse, and how important it is to have things to help us through. Music is the one thing that is always there to support me through something, and it’s so important to make time for those things (and people) that might just make us feel understood for the first time that day. Also be proud of it, whatever you’re into (obviously if not harming anything), it’s awesome to be captivated and have passion, don’t ever let anyone make you apologise for it. I’m spending a lot of evenings with post ‘itting’ recipes books and crosswords, with a soundtrack of Simon & Garfunkel, Tom Petty and The War On Drugs mostly.

My hope is that my new music could be that moment of support for some people, I’ve really tried to keep some hopeful belief in there, that things will get better. Here’s a clip of one that was finished this week, called Lost The War.

Wishing anyone reading this a great couple of weeks ahead, and if they’re tough right now I really hope they improve.

W