I was invited backstage and had a
lovely chat with Bob over a coffee
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DIARY OF A SONGWRITER
insightful panels providing a practical
guide to revenue, music rights,
promoting gigs, building a fan base
and connecting with the industry.
The day ended with an In
Conversation with Dave Rowntree.
As a long time Blur fan, it was
fascinating hearing him talk about
his career journey, how things have
changed radically from his early
days in the band when they would
physically post demos. Although
the channels have changed, he
acknowledged that it is still just as
difficult to break through. He feels a
lot is down to luck and good songs.
He also talked about songwriting,
how lucrative it can be, and how to
write a hit. His answer was to write
1000 songs and really practice your
craft. He told the audience that DamonAlbarn writes constantly so you have
to absolutely love writing. When
asked if he knew a hit when he heard
it, he said that, although feeling an
emotional connection is good, you
also need an outside objective, so the
rest of band always listens to Damon’s
work and give their honest thoughts.20 OCTOBER
I always really enjoy doing radio
sessions and interviews, and I’m here
at BBC Suffolk in Ipswich to record
a session on Stephen Foster’s Drive
time show to promote my gig next
week supporting Tom McRae at the
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts
in Stowmarket. As session guest of
the week, I play 5 acoustic tracks live
which will be played each night next
week. I included in the session a TomMcRae cover, the gorgeous “2nd
Law.” It’s always nice to see Foz who
has supported me and my music for
awhile.27 OCTOBER
After another radio session and an
Oxjam gig, I’m back in Suffolk this
evening for my support to Tom
McRae. It’s a really busy night at the
John Peel Centre and it was so nice to
receive some lovely comments after
the show. Tom is brilliant as always,
had the crowd spellbound. I’ve been a
huge fan for a long time, and it was so
lovely to be asked to support him on
the final date of this current tour. All
the venue staff are so friendly and they
invited me to stick around for drinks
afterwards. Very tempting, but have
to be good and head home as I have
another show tomorrow.LISA REDFORDComing up on Lisa’s busy schedule
are more BBC radio interviews and
sessions, promoting the re-release of
her EP Reminders, promoting an acoustic
Christmas EP, playing a Christmas show,
and looking ahead to 2018! Keep up to
speed with Lisa at lisaredford.com