Johnny Setlist

At the behest of absolutely nobody, I wrote a 4000+ word essay on how I formed a life-saving emotional bond to some music by Spencer Krug, how it led me down a scholarly rabbit hole of research into a particular thread of Greek Mythology, and how even when people say not to take thing too seriously, I go and do just that. I wrote the bulk of the piece a couple of years ago in the midst of the depression described in the article, but returned to it this year. After some edits, more research dropped in, and confirmation from my editor that this is actually kind of interesting for other people to read, it has been expelled into the internet ether and published for the world to read. After all this time, it kind of feels like a demon that has been purged, and like a certain amount of weight has been lifted from my shoulders. If your are still interested after this gabble, then do feel free to read it here:

https://beatsperminute.com/i-am-connected-loneliness-depression-and-spencer-krugs-take-on-the-tale-of-the-minotaur/

Good news for those of you who like Christmas music: I have released a new album of Christmas music! It's title is Christmas Songs For My Friends (and Enemies) and you are find it on all your local and unlocal streaming services. Chock full of twelve cuts of fresh festive music (including one or two takes on traditional holiday numbers), it is truly hoped these songs might bring some joy to what will be a different and difficult Christmas for many.

I love making music, but making Christmas music has a special place in my unforgiving chasm of a heart. Some songs are amusing, some are asinine, and some are arduous and anguished. So, you know, all the good stuff.

Like my previous Christmas album (which you play on repeat every time the season hits, right?!), all and any profits and proceeds from Christmas Songs For My Friends (and Enemies) will be donated to the Scottish Association for Mental Health. If you can’t afford to buy the album, then that’s totally fine! Consider streaming it like repeatedly doing so will make cake appear in front or you, or consider sharing it on your favourite (or unfavourite) social media platform. I, for one, would hugely appreciate it, but in the long run, people who need help will appreciate it too.

Les Blancs; National Theatre, 2020

Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry; National Theatre 2016