I can't tell you how good it feels to have music out after all this time - I know it's been a long, long time... thank you for being so patient. I hope it's been worth the wait!
I wanted to make an album that feels and sounds real. In a post-truth world, I wanted to tell stories that are honest - make music that’s proud to show its flaws. So I recorded it at home, with a piano and a guitar. I used a cupboard for a vocal booth, a bedroom for a mixing space.
Put simply, it’s just me. The aptly titled ‘Geoff’ came out on the 11th of July - but of course my Tea Break Club got to hear it first! It was so lovely to share it early and hear what everyone thought before it was released. There were so many touching and lovely reviews from the awesome community I'm building around my music.
Here are just a handful...
When release day came, I'd forgotten how amazing it is to see people listening across the World in places I've never even been! I can't thank you enough for tuning in - I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to independent musicians like me. Every stream is a worth at least a smile.
'So what's next, Geoff?'
You, presumably reading this
Well, first of all - you haven't heard the full story of 'Geoff' or even entered into half of the Experience I've built around the album. Over the next few weeks, you can expect loads of bonus material and content - starting with this artwork I've built around the album.
'Geoff' is a very personal album and every single song has a full, rich story behind it - the inspiration, the writing process and of course how it actually turned out! With that in mind, I wanted to create an individual piece of art work for each song as well as the album cover itself - each one telling part of the story in some way.
Can you match each piece of artwork to the song? Now there's a challenge...
In the next week or so, these pieces of artwork will be available to buy in various forms - so you can get a keepsake for your favourite song!
Every time someone buys my merchandise or artwork, I do a classic Alan Partridge style celebration - you have no idea how good it feels to be supported by you.
As you may know, you'd have to stream a song 5000 times for it to support an artist in the same way buying a t-shirt or art print would. Awesome artwork, stylish clothing and the joy of knowing you're supporting honest, original work - what could be better?
Before I sign off, I have just one more thing for you. As I was making 'Geoff', I knew I wanted to tell the story of how it came about in a new and exciting way.
Those of you who've been following me for a while will know that I used to Vlog - in fact it started with a series called 'A Song In Seven Days', which is still available to watch on YouTube. I documented the songwriting process of 12 songs in a classic Vlog style format.
I learned a lot about storytelling in that time. It was a very direct way to show you exactly what I was doing to build and create my music - essentially like little documentaries...
So this time, that's what I'm making - a documentary all about the story of how the album came to be. I won't tell you too much now, so as to spoil the surprise - but rest assured that it's coming soon!
So once again, thank you for listening - what we've shared in the last month has been really special. The above review sums up exactly how awesome you all are.
You're the best - I'll see you on our next Tea Break.
Much love,
Geoff x
