The Story of Number 5

Dear Reader –

As will become clear shortly, this week I was reminded of the first letter I wrote to you all back in May. This is now the 8th in the series, and if you’re not signed up already to receive them in your inbox, or if you know someone who might enjoy them, the link to subscribe is here.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

But back to the very first letter - the big thing that week was an open call I put out. I was looking for somebody who had never been involved in a theme night before to sing a song on the first ever theme night album, which will be released later this year.

7 weeks later and not only has the singer been chosen, but the song has been recorded and is getting ready for release. The full story of this process, as well as the identity of the singer is revealed in the below video.

Where else but Sligo?

The man featured in this section today isn’t even from Sligo, but the kindness, imagination and drive displayed by him in this story makes it no surprise that he has made his mark here since he moved to our town.

I got an email a while ago that I had been tagged by him in a post on Facebook. As mentioned in the video above, I’m currently running a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the making of the debut Theme Night album and a special souvenir book to help us celebrate our 10-yr anniversary later this year. The idea being that if you pledge support to the campaign, you receive a reward in exchange.

For example, if you contribute €500, you’ll receive a whole lot of goodies, including me coming to your house or a premises of your choice to play a gig. Any witty readers will no doubt say that there should be a reward for €600 where I don’t come to your house (thanks Robbie Fitzpatrick for that one), but the hero of this story saw this reward and an idea formed in his head. Here is the post in which I was tagged.

10 days later, and thanks to his idea, and the generosity of local people and businesses, an additional €1000 has been pledged to the campaign, so I am really looking forward to playing not one but two gigs in local nursing homes later in the year.

Brendan Tierney - take a bow. Sligo is lucky you’re here.

You can follow Brendan’s latest project - The Sligo Show - here.

What’s New?

Something different in this section this week. The video featured earlier in this letter was written, shot and recorded pretty much in 12 hours yesterday, so it’s certainly new. Thanks once again to my In The Lamplight colleagues - Rory Maitland and Luke Devaney - for their help on this one.

Below are 10 creative decisions that shaped it, and here is a handy link to watch it again and save you scrolling up.

1. The opening. We wanted some footage of me walking for a second or two before the music started and I began talking, but I didn’t do that on the take we wanted to use. So we looked back at the interview footage and found this quick snippet before the interview began. Joanne was in the initial shot but after a quick zoom in to keep her identity secret, we had our opening.

2. The location. The first video we released in relation to this campaign was filmed inside, so we wanted something outside this time, but also something recognisable as Sligo. We had some great locations in mind, but at 3pm yesterday there were low clouds everywhere so they were all ruled out. So what about town instead? Maybe a walk to the Hawk’s Well, starting in the neighbouring Peace Park - perfect.

3. The first-timers. We wanted to show footage of theme night debut performances, but not by people who are too well known locally as singers. We also wanted a variety of age-groups represented, and lots of movement, as the sound wasn’t going to be used for these videos. Hence the choices.

4. The spiels. This was interesting. The words with which I told the story were written early yesterday morning before I met Rory. However we knew that they could change depending on the final edit, and the other words and pictures we chose. So we did the preliminary edit of the video first, and then went back and tweaked and then recorded my words, so the story would hang together better.

5. The walks and the stops. We wanted my walking journey to help tell the story, not just to be a series of walks around town. The Top Gear-esque stops at the end of some scenes to emphasise certain sections of the story were Rory’s idea!

6. The reveal. We knew we needed to get the big reveal right. One of the big hooks of the story was that although viewers can hear her voice, they don’t see Joanne’s face until halfway into the video. So this had to be done right. We initially had it later in the story, but we decided to try moving it slightly earlier with some different words beforehand, and it worked.

7. The footage. I had asked Luke to take some footage of the recording sessions in the Hawk’s Well a few weeks ago. I didn’t know I was going to make a video like this at the time, I just thought it might be handy to have it. And it was!

8. The beeps. The beeps, shouts and waves we got from passing traffic when filming outside the Hawk’s Well were lovely, and just what we wanted (!) as we were trying to get the last link shot before getting home to fly through the final edit.

9. Kill your darlings. Rory’s phrase. There were so many really nice moments and lines that we would have loved to use, but didn’t in the end. It was so difficult to bin them, but sometimes in the service of the final product, you just have to kill your darlings.

10. The music. Rory’s favourite part of making a video is adding the music. It can make such a difference, as some clever people recently showed here. But when we found this piece of music and added it, it turned what we thought was a decent video into one with which we were delighted!

Finally…

Going back to my first letter - the featured song was Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘America’. Here is another of my favourites from their 1968 Bookends album.

Till next time - Kieran.

A gig!

Dear Reader –

I played a gig last weekend, which unfortunately is somewhat newsworthy these days.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

A big thing it certainly was. It was great, and although they had high-end security (see below), these two lads behind me managed to sneak in and even get some cake!

We had been asked to play at a garden party in Co. Cavan. The rain stayed off, and it was everything we hoped it would be, after so long. The craic was good, and thankfully we remembered how to play (!), but it was made easy for us by the host and his guests. Here’s how.

1. Preparation. They had built us a stage in the garden, thoughtfully beside a shelter for the equipment in case it rained.

2. Welcome. Before we even carried the gear in, we were welcomed to the party, made feel at home, and offered food and beverages as if we were guests.

3. Participation. The audience weren’t big in number but were ready to go with us wherever they were brought. Asking for requests, responding to what we did, and taking part themselves - if I closed my eyes when John sang Raglan Road I could have been listening to Luke Kelly.

4. Up Shligo! Having one proud (and loud) Sligoman in the audience always helps.

5. Cake - it is scientifically proven that if you offer the musicians cake you will get up to a 50% increase in performance level.

Where else but Sligo?

It’s summer, so that means we’re in the thick of the GAA season. I’m lucky to live near the home pitch of my local club Coolera/Strandhill, and I always love spending time in the back garden listening to the shouts of players, management and fans on summer evenings. Trying to work out what the various roars mean. Are we winning or losing?

For the first time this summer however, my children are involved and so I’ve been travelling around the county following the fortunes of the girls U-10 and U-12 teams. And it has been an eye-opener. I wrote this article for the Sligo Weekender based on my experiences recently.

What’s New?

1. Last week’s letter launched the crowdfunding campaign which will hopefully help fund the production of not only the first ever Theme Night album, but also a special souvenir 10 yr-anniversary book. So that means we’re now one week in, and we’re off to a great start - thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to the campaign in any way so far. This video tells the story better than any words could, or you can check out our progress so far or contribute to the campaign here.

2. The first week in July usually sees me in Letterkenny teaching at the wonderful Donegal Summer School of Music. This is the second year that they have been unable to do things as they would wish, but credit to the committee, once again they have organised a top-class online programme. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it once again.

3. Cake-eater Seamie O’Dowd released this song recently. Enjoy the humour but don’t let it distract you too much from the trademark lyricism and musicianship on show.

Finally…

This is one of the songs we played last weekend. And as I sat there playing it, lost in the groove with the two lads, probably with one of those silly happy grins on, suddenly nothing else in the world mattered. The power of music to bring you right back to the present.

Till next time - Kieran.

Family, Community, Show-stopping Moments

Dear Reader –

As mentioned in last week’s letter, there are big plans for the 10-yr anniversary of the Theme Nights later this year. I had a lovely week getting ready for the launch of these plans, looking back on so many great memories from the shows.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

So - here you go. This video will tell you all you need to know.

You can find out more about supporting the project here. The earlier you do so, the more chance the campaign has of succeeding, so there is an exclusive bonus for anyone who supports the project on Day 1 or 2 (29th and 30th June).

Thanks to my In The Lamplight buddies Rory Maitland and Luke Devaney for their work on this video. And of course to Kris Manulak, Dominika Manulak and Steve Rogers for all the photos and videos over the years.

Where else but Sligo?

Where else but the Lidl carpark in Sligo, to be more specific this week?!

It was here that I figured that we were onto something special. Going back to one of the stories in the video, my wife Sinéad and I met the aforementioned Eoin Troy in said carpark the day after Theme Night #1 in December 2011. We were stocking up for Christmas, and exchanging stories from the previous night.

As we spoke of person after person who had been in touch about Eoin’s performance, it became clear that people had responded to singers being given a chance to try something they wouldn’t usually do, especially in an environment which prioritised the music.

Eoin and I recorded his track for the album last night, and afterwards we spoke of all the great times we had because of these nights. They wouldn’t have been possible without the people and musicians of Sligo.

What’s New?

1. This crowdfunding project has loads of rewards available to you in exchange for your support. I love the idea of coming to your house and playing a gig for you and your friends! Have a look and see if this, or indeed any of the other rewards might work for you. Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you have any questions.

2. Regular theme Night performer Gráinne McCarthy is a singer and songwriter with La Gracia. They release the second single from their debut EP tomorrow (Wednesday). It’s called ‘Can’t Ever Know’ and will be available on all streaming platforms. You can check the song out here.

3. It’s been a bad week for us hay fever sufferers! Does anyone have any magic cures?

Finally…

Here is a nugget I came across while trawling through Theme Night memories this week.

Remember you can support the project here. Thankyou!

Till next time - Kieran.

It Will Be Me

Dear Reader –

I was introduced to a new song this week - with some great lyrics. Here’s the second verse.

“If you feel a hand guiding you along
When the path seems wrong
It will be me”

There’s a big announcement coming in next week’s letter, and when getting ready for the start of a big project you’ll find yourself on the wrong path quite a bit, so thanks to the many readers of this letter who have been that hand guiding me along over the past while.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

OK so maybe I’ll fill you in on some of the details of this project this week - and firstly fair warning, because this particular big thing might last a few weeks. It’s something you’re probably going to read about a fair bit for the next month or so. We will get back to the regular cadence of letters once it’s over, so stay with me please.

I’m only doing so because it’s important - not just to me, but to the many others who have asked me to do something like this over the years. And hopefully to some of you also.

You see this Christmas we will celebrate 10 years of Theme Nights. It has been an amazing decade, with some (more recent and unavoidable) lows but also many highs, and I am so grateful to the musicians, performers and audiences alike who have contributed to so many great nights in that time.

I really hope that we will be able to celebrate this milestone together with some live shows in the Hawk’s Well in December. However whether we get to do so or not, I plan to mark the occasion by producing a souvenir album and book - two special commemorative products which will not only showcase some of the best music, images and stories from the Theme Nights, but provide paid work to almost 50 local musicians and creative professionals.

I’ll be asking for your support in order to help us make this happen, and I’ll be launching a crowdfunding campaign in next week’s letter. in the meantime you can get a sneak preview and sign up to get notified when it goes live here.

Indeed if you know that you would like to support this campaign, I’d love to chat to you (email kieran@kieranquinn.ie) - otherwise keep an eye out for next week’s letter in which will be revealed the many exclusive and fun rewards available to you in exchange for your support.

Where else but Sligo?

Plans for this project are well underway of course, and regular readers of this letter will know that on the album I wish to uphold the theme night tradition of always including a first-timer. This week I met the brave singers who had answered my call, and Sligo once again came up trumps with a dozen or so excellent singers who I had the pleasure of meeting, listening to, and accompanying. It was such a treat to sit at the piano and make music with you all.

One lady came out with a different idea however. She had a story to tell me, specifically one about her grandparents, the people who raised her. They are no longer on this earth, and tears came to her eyes as she recalled one of her fondest memories of them - being small and her Nan and Grandad taking one of her hands each and swinging her up into the air. 

She told me that she saw my wife and I doing something similar with one of our children out walking in Strandhill a few years ago and the image stayed with her, so much so that she vowed that if she ever got the chance to sing with me that she would sing one particular song (see below) in honour of her grandparents. And she did, making my day in the process. Thankyou.

Inspired by this story, we tried the trick again this weekend. He’s probably a bit big now, but we still managed to get him airborne!

What’s New?

1. The Theme Night Choir have a new super-cool and very well prepared choirmaster - it was great to see everyone again at rehearsals yesterday - the weather hit all the right notes too to make it possible for us to practise outside. Thanks for your work Dave, and to Jane for the pic.

2. It’s Euro 2020 time - and I love a good football chant! Here’s one that got stuck in my head during the week thanks to the Second Captains podcast.

3. One of Sligo’s twin towns is Kempten in southern Germany. The mayor of Kempten commissioned this piano concert for the children of Sligo as a way of keeping in contact during lockdown. Have a look - it’s great fun!

Finally…

Here’s this week’s featured song. It needs no more introduction - just have a listen.

I look forward to sharing more about this project with you all next week.

Till then,

Kieran.

Being 'discovered'

Dear Reader –

In my early days as a musician in Sligo, I remember a friend coming up to me at a gig and marvelling at how good one of the musicians was. “What’s his name”, he asked, “and how was he never discovered”?

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

We have a running joke on our podcast about ‘being discovered’. One of the co-hosts (Rory) often plays up to the role of someone waiting to be spotted and launched into the big time and Luke and I enjoy rising him about it.

The point was brought up one week however that the thing about being discovered is that you’re leaving the decision of what exactly you are discovered for up to someone else. So for someone like Rory, who is a hard-working barber, a talented cinematographer, a great singer and many other things, being discovered for one of these things may mean leaving the others behind.

I was reminded of this when I came across an old piano on a recent trip away. It was in the reception room of a beautiful old house, and when I saw the portraits and lamps on top of it, I immediately thought it was one of those pianos now used more as a piece of furniture than a musical instrument.

Because while some pianos are there to sound good, the function of others is merely to look good, and it’s the owner who gets to decide. Which is a bit like being discovered - the person who discovers you will probably want a say in what direction you go next.

Thankfully in this case my initial impression was wrong. This piano sounded great, and I thought that maybe it’s not the end of the world if you’re never discovered. Then you can be both a beautiful instrument and a pretty piece of furniture, should you choose.

Where else but Sligo?

I received the first dose of my COVID vaccine in Sligo during the week. And I must say, even for someone who hates the sight of needles, it was a joyful experience from start to finish.

From entering the car park and being greeted by friendly faces (someone take that megaphone off Vinnie Higgins – he’s dangerous with it), to the nurses and staff, who were so professional and caring. A special thanks to Mary who had read last week’s letter and made me feel at home straight away when she asked me how my trip to Cork was.

My one regret - not getting a sing-song going with some Oasis/Blur/Pulp or something else from my teenage years - because you could be sure everyone there that day would have known the words.

What’s New?

1. The Hawk’s Well Theatre is reopening after 9 long months! On June 26th with a great line-up of performers. I have my tickets booked - who’s coming??

2. Speaking of 9 months, I’ve been writing a weekly column for the Sligo Weekender for about that length of time now. Here are two recent ones, on Sligo’s young army of horn players and when you’re not OK.

3. This is a great challenge. I first heard of Blkbok (born Wilson Charles) on Matthew Carey’s Studio Time podcast. He is a pianist/keyboard player who has toured with Justin Timberlake and Rihanna and is now writing and recording his own music. This is him attempting a timing challenge inspired by the great drummer Chico Hamilton. If anyone knows the name of the man laying down the challenge please let me know as I’d like to credit him.

   Go on - give it a go.

Finally…

The name of the musician in today’s opening story? Seamie O’Dowd. And for someone who has never been discovered, the fact that he couldn’t do something with me recently because he was off recording with Christy Moore says it all really. Here’s one from a few years back.

Till next time,

Kieran.

Holidays!

Dear Reader –

I’ve hardly been home since I wrote last week’s letter to you. My wife was determined that we would get away for a few days as soon as it was possible again, so we’re just back from a long weekend in Cork.

And she was dead right. it was great. That wonderful feeling of being on holidays again. And since that was pretty much the only, and hence the big thing for me this week, I’ll get stuck into it straight away.

*All hyperlinks, as always, in bold.

The Big Thing

Specifically 5 of my favourite things about holidays.

1. Relaxing. When I was younger, I used to try and cram as much as possible into a holiday, and hence always come back from that holiday thinking I needed another holiday to recover from it. Now it’s different. If I don’t come back in better shape than when I left, it’s not worth it.

2. When you get the balance between plans and no plans just right.

3. The realisation that everyone doesn’t always do things like we do them. Meeting new people. Opening your mind.

4. The calming effect of water. A holiday is pretty much always better if it’s near water.

5. Getting home.

Where else but Sligo?

But Sligo followed us on the trip. In a lovely way I must say.

I remember enjoying a story told to me a few years ago by ex-Teenage Theme Nighter Micheál Kearney. He filled me in about an audition he had in the drama society in Maynooth University. The minute he walked into the room, the director recognised Micheál and told him so immediately. “Hey - aren’t you the guy who sang ‘Never Had a Friend Like Me’ on the Teenage Theme Night a couple of months ago”?

And so when the young man serving us breakfast this weekend told me that he had heard all about the Teenage Theme Nights from another ex-participant he had met at college in Dublin this year, I was once again very pleasantly surprised and he went straight to the top of the list for a tip!

Cork people have a (sometimes bad) name for not being shy about telling you how proud they are of where they’re from. But is that a bad thing?

I’m not sure - I always love the feeling of hearing Sligo being spoken about well by non-Sligonians, and I look forward to continuing to bring you all things I love about this place in this section of the letter, while always being mindful of point 3 above…

What’s New?

1. Firstly an update on the theme night album. Thanks to everyone who contacted me regarding it. The response was overwhelming and I will get back to everyone this week with a plan for what happens next. But there’s lots more to do too. We’re recording the majority of the album before the end of June, so this week I’ll be deciding on a track listing, who I will ask to sing what, what arrangements to use etc. I’ll keep you in the loop as we go.

2. It’s easier than ever to get distracted these days. By emails, social media, notifications on your phone. And it can prevent us from being able to concentrate on the task at hand in any meaningful way. I enjoy researching how the mind works in this way, specifically in regard to being able to focus more sharply and for longer, and so I finished this book on holidays and got a lot from it. This is another good one on a similar topic I read recently.

3. Season 2 of our In The Lamplight podcast ended with a bang last week. Featured guests were Johnny Gallagher and The Boxty Band and it’s been a while since I experienced intensity like it on a stage. See for yourself below (21:55 for some good craic between Johnny and I), and while you’re at it why not have a listen back to any of our 28 episodes so far here - or wherever you get your podcasts.

Finally…

A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a soundtrack. Here’s one we played over and over again on the long journey home yesterday.

Till next time,

Kieran.

Promise, potential, possibilities...

Dear Reader –

‘I can’t believe I’m typing this email’.

Not me, but thus went the opening line of one reply I got in relation to the open call I made in last week’s letter. One of many, it must be said, and each one was very much appreciated.

More below, but first I wanted to say thanks for opening my letter this week.

Hyperlinks, as always, will be in bold.

The Big Thing

But that was the big thing this week. The replies I got from many of you.

I loved the courage shown by some in taking this step, and the fearlessness of others. Many of you told me you haven’t sung properly for years, but would love the opportunity to get back into it. The common thread was the recognition of the importance singing plays in our lives, and how much we all have missed out by not being able to do so for the last year and more.

The closing date for applications is next Monday June 7. More in the What’s New section below for anyone still thinking about it.

And the thing to remember is that it’s not all about getting to sing on the album. There just isn’t room for everyone to do that. But so much more can happen. I always get a thrill when I sit at the piano and someone new walks into the room. The not knowing what’s going to happen next. The joy of making music again with someone else. The promise, the potential, the possibility. Who knows where this will lead?

Where else but Sligo?

Luckily for me, I got to feel all those things yesterday. I had received a phone call from a young man I had never met, who wanted me to accompany him on some Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/Michael Bublé type stuff. He was recording a gig for some US Navy July 4th celebrations and needed a pianist.

So I met him in a large room with high ceilings, an old dog, and a baby grand. And the hour flew by, the music and his charisma and energy filling the room. The dog wagged his tail every so often as if to give his approval, which was nice compared to than the whines my fella lets out whenever I play something at home.

But it wasn’t just the dog. The two of us had such fun putting the arrangements together. I was so impressed with the professionalism of this young man and his ability to articulate what he wanted from an accompanist. And I loved his drive and determination to do it right, and to improve.

I left on a high, marvelling once again at Sligo, and its ability to keep surprising us with new talent, in the most unexpected of places.

What’s New?

1. So, as mentioned above, June 7th is the closing date for anyone who would like to be considered as a featured guest on our debut Theme Night album. Send an email to kieran@kieranquinn.ie if you’re interested. You’ll have to put your own twist on a song that has been sung at a theme night before. I don’t have a list of every song, but you’ll get an idea from the list of themes at the bottom of this page. I’ll help you along the way. For now, all I need is an expression of interest. I’ll be in touch after the closing date about the rest.

2. Summer in Dublin was a favourite on pianowithkieran.com this year. If you missed it, here’s a video teaching you how to play the melody. And here are 6 questions on the same song which will test your musical ear. Go on - it’s the time of year to learn it!

3. You have read above about the buzz I often get from working with singers. The opening scene of this new video captures that brilliantly. From TemperHound Productions and Corcra.

Finally…

It’s Jamie Callaghan’s birthday today. I had the same reaction as I described in the Where Else But Sligo section when I first heard Jamie sing. You don’t forget these things.

Like when Kelan Walsh walked onto the Hawk’s Well stage and played the iconic Sam Butera sax solo on Just a Gigolo note for note. Or when Jane Tansey and Maev Gallagher came to rehearsals for Theme Night #12 and showed us all how backing vocals should be sung. Or when Eddie Fitzpatrick exploded onto the Teenage Theme Night stage in a blaze of showmanship and attention to detail.

And none of these moments would have happened if these people didn’t say yes to an opportunity.

So go on, get in touch.

In the meantime put yourself in a good mood with some more Sam Butera on this incredible Louis Prima recording. One of the songs we enjoyed rehearsing yesterday.

Till next time,

Kieran.

Counting Kangaroos

Dear Reader –

It’s great to be writing to you. This is the first official edition of ‘The Piano Has Been Thinking’, my weekly letter to you which will arrive in your inbox every Tuesday at lunchtime.

It will use the same format each week. I’ll start with the ‘big thing’ I’d like to share with you, follow that with an idea, a story, or maybe a character from my hometown of Sligo, and finish with a brief description of three new things I feel might brighten your week.

I’ll always share a piece of music with you at the end too, and piece this all together into what is hopefully a coherent and valuable letter for you.

Oh and hyperlinks will be in bold.

So let’s get stuck in…

The Big Thing

OK this really is a big thing. I’ve been saving it for this first letter. Because I’m really excited to let you know, before anyone else does, that our debut Theme Night album will be released later this year.

AND – I’d like you to be a part of it. That’s right – you right there reading this. Let me explain.

Any of you who have been to a theme night over the years will know that it’s always a tradition on each show to feature someone who has never been part of a theme night before. And this album will be no different.

So – if you are from or have a strong connection with Sligo, have never been involved in a theme night, and would like to sing or play on this album, get in touch. Pick a song that has been performed at any theme night since 2011 (list at the bottom of this page), come up with an idea for how you’ll interpret it (*important), and get in touch. Go on, what’s the worst that can happen?! Email kieran@kieranquinn.ie before June 7.

For some inspiration, here’s the fearless performance of Mabel Chah, a first-timer on the last live theme night back in February 2020.

Where else but Sligo?

In 1998, a month after I finished my Leaving Cert, I headed to Australia for a year. I initially wanted to head to college with all my friends, but my parents thankfully convinced me I would be crazy to pass this opportunity up, and it was one of the most fun and most important years of my life.

I’ll probably talk about it again at some stage in a future letter, but the reason I bring it up today is that it has indirectly led to the title of this section of the letter.

There was a TV advertising campaign run by the Queensland state tourist board, complete with a jingle at the end with the slogan ‘Where Else But Queensland’? You can hear it at the end of one such ad here if you’re interested.

But my love for my home place must have shone through even at that young age. One man who shared the year with me and remains a great friend to this day (Shane, pictured below with 18 yr-old me on the top of Ayers Rock), replaced the word ‘Queensland’ with ‘Sligo’ and we spent the year with this jingle stuck in our heads, so much so that I remember it more than 20 years later.

So in this spirit, I’ll be showing you exactly what makes Sligo so special in the coming weeks.

What’s New?

1. (Another) new date for our return to Vicar St - really hoping we get to fulfil this one! Thursday Feb 17th 2022. More here.

2. Cathy Jordan was our guest on In The Lamplight last week. She was entertaining as always, and especially interesting on the subject of how she connects with a live audience.

3. Congrats to Sligo ladies Corcra on the release of their debut single. It was one of those projects you didn’t want to end, so thanks to Rory at TemperHound for asking me to come on board.

Finally…

Going back to that year in Australia, we spent a lot of time on buses. Especially that trip to Ayers Rock and beyond. 72 hours on a Greyhound bus to get back from Darwin to Sydney. A lot of time to think.

I had my walkman and cassette collection on the trip with me, and I listened to one song over and over again. It summed the whole thing up for me. Paul Simon’s America. The country may have been different, but the vastness of the land, the bus company (!) and the things you’d do to pass the time were the same.

“Laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces”. Counting kangaroos.

Because there was wonder to be found everywhere. If you looked for it.

Which was easy as a wide-eyed 18 year-old a long way from home. Not so easy when you get a bit older and a pandemic means you haven’t seen much new for over a year. But it’s still there, and hopefully we can help each other see it over the coming weeks and months.

Thanks for reading today.

And go on, contact me about the theme night album!

Kieran.