So, life post-Vocal Booth returns to normal.  The kids are now back at school all day (despite them currently having three days off) and the weather continues to top 28 degrees.  I took a walk along the beach on Tuesday with Bouncer and felt truly blessed.  I am determined to remain upbeat for the last part of this year, no matter what  comes my way.
The fact that I don’t have to deal with idiots on a regular definitely helps.  Unfortunately, by its very nature,  that does mean I am not as busy as I’d like but I’ll trade that off against a happy state of mind.
Gigs are looking healthy.
This weekend I return to Padova, Italy for another Soul Heaven event.  Last time I went was great so this weekend should be no different.

On 5th November I return to Zagreb, Croatia to a lovely venue called Lemon, for a Vocal Booth party.  I will be spinning with Tom Housefusion and meeting up with a lot of my friends as we celebrate DJ Spark’s birthday.
 
The following week is the big reunion for all the VB Family at East Village in London.  Full details are about to be sent out via the VB website.  So as not to constantly share the same info I won’t be sharing ANY VB news here, so make a point of checking out the site if you are not subscribed.  As I compile this I am listening to a great live set from Gary Ward at the VBW2011.  You’re missing out on amazing music if you’re not subscribed over there !
Continuing with the gigs, as touched on previously, something rather tasty to look forward to is Soul Heaven‘s return to the capitol.  Check this for a line up, this is big !

That then takes us to December.  It’s too far away and yet too close to talk about !
I have sent out a few emails enquiring about the possibility of returning to Australia for NYE and January, but it seems that all my friends down under are too busy hibernating as hardly any have replied.  Time will tell if anything comes of it, if not I may be celebrating a little closer to home for the first time in a few years.
For anyone that followed my DIY progress earlier this year, the terrace plants have now come into their own and are looking lovely.  I now am ready to FINALLY paint the ballastrades, a job I’ve been putting off for months.  When it’s all done I’ll put some updated pictures onto that page.  Thanks to one or two of you who have commented on my handy work when we’ve been out and about.. mainly taking the piss !
Talking of walls, I seem to have hit a brick wall inspirationally when trying to start on any new music.  I have one project in particular that needs to get out of the way but I just seem to have ‘writer’s block’.  I also had to let another guy who I’d love to work with know that it wasn’t a good time for me at the moment.  I can’t put my finger on it, maybe once the novelty of 8 hours of silence every day wears off I may get back into the groove, let’s hope so.
This brings me to Sounds of the Booth.  The last release didn’t seem to do so well, I am sure this was down to the fact that I had 5000 of my contacts wiped out in one foul swoop when I was hacked back in the Spring.  At that moment I didn’t see the point in continuing to promote new music if I wasn’t able to get the artists the exposure they deserved.  So, for the moment at least, there won’t be any new releases and it may stay that way for the future, but never say never !
After announcing my VBCS podcasts were stopping, the flood of emails begging me to continue never arrived.  Which I am glad about.  My decision is justified.  In time I will be putting together off the cuff mixes, just like the old days.  I think I have gotten to that point where I am feeling a little selfish with my time, I think I deserve it.  This means that the Vocal Booth live shows on Thursdays may be a little sporadic and most definitely wont be so ‘new music’ led as they have in the past.  I do thank one or two of you who have said some very nice words about the show, I’ll be back !
Gary Ward is throwing down some serious funk and boogie grooves on this mix… ooh yeah !
I think that’s everything.  Oh no… Movember !  In just over two weeks we will, once again, be growing our facial hair all in a good cause.  If you would like to join us visit the page here and keep your eyes on our progress.
So, rather than bore you with what I am having for dinner, I will leave it there.  Respect for reading through my thoughts and I’ll see you out and about on my travels in the not-too-distant.
Don’t be a stranger !