Today’s mic stand…Sauerkraut! And today we wake to the news of fresh hell somewhere on the planet. It is probable that keeping informed about the world is actually bad for one’s mental health but we persist in being informed, or so we think, in order to take part in the debate.

But consider: the debate was not always thus. The debate was what happened locally, and locally meant within walking distance. So when we do or do not agonise about something happening on the other side of the world it is good to remember: ‘…grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference’. It is the last bit that is really useful for me: ‘the wisdom to know the difference’. It is difficult for me to hear about an issue and not feel frustrated or agonised about it, when really there is nothing I can usefully do. I just am running myself into the ground with this thinking. In the climate protest movement this has taken a heavy toll on participants. It is an uphill road out of that ‘I’ve got fix everything’ mindset but essential.

Related to the above is learning not to despise those who hold different views to myself on say Gaza or Restore Britain (to what?). Whilst is is frustrating and difficult when I believe as I do that the world should get off fossil fuels as quickly as possible and that politicians are more interested in their own popularity than doing what is right for their constituents and the planet; there are those who disagree. Then I have to ask are they simply: uninformed, misinformed, or making choices based on their own short term financial goals. Mostly the average climate denier is a mixture of all three, but when individuals and big business, which let’s not forget is built of individuals, are in the short term goals camp then it is difficult to be diplomatic about it. But then again if I cannot directly or indirectly influence those people being angry angry with them does not help me or the world situation.

Mean while the album work continues… It has been a long old haul but I think I am finally getting the plot on all this recording stuff. After years of being snowed under by all the info about plugins (things like reverb programs) and mics I have realised that I have more recording facilities at my fingertips in the box (on the computer) than most of the old producers and studios that made old records that we revere. So I had better knuckle down and just get on with it. Limiting choice is not a bad thing. Do I need 6 different reverbs on a track? Most probably not. When stuff is recorded in a live space it has its own reverb and that is the most subtle thing and to be valued. Keep it simple and get it done.

I have been collaborating with local musicians on parts for tracks. And also my nephews in Cincinatti have emailed in parts which is great; I love the idea of a family operation although spread 3,500 miles apart! Great fun has been collaborating on live gigs which I have recently. It is so much more fun to play out with friends. Talking to yourself only gets you so far!

Opinionated? Misinformed? Foolish? – yeah probably but better that than other things. At least I am not hurting anyone! HX