Happy new year.

With a lot of people reflecting on how tough 2015 was, I’ve read too many (beautifully written) pieces and blog entries to join in (and I had a positive year, overall), so I just hope with all my heart that 2016 will be a great adventure for you…

And that we’ll stand stronger and fight harder against the unnecessary demolishing of safety nets in our country.

Here are my resolutions:

1) Do more, write more, talk less.
2) Make zines or chapbooks (inspired by Sarah & Sophie of Gut Feelings) – at least four.
3) Write something long.
4) Make a more tangible/active contribution to the refugee crisis.
5) Sort out the damn attic.
6) Get my podcast going regularly.
7) Pitch to soundtrack a film or theatre show.
8) Write a musical (inspired by Hamilton).
9) Go back to North America and Europe.

My 10th LP (9 Green Songs – a solo album, though the Hoodrats all contribute) is almost done; just some singing and guest bits to finish, plus mixing. It really found a shape in the past three weeks – and we were recording (backing vocals and Gill’s accordion) on New Year’s Eve, so I’m buzzing about it right now. A dangerous moment though – when you fall for your own schtick, start hoping it’ll do super-well, despite right through the process promising you won’t (and it won’t).

That it exists should be enough.

Finally I updated my ‘favourites of 2015’ list (blog entry below), to add stuff I hadn’t yet seen, or forgot. I added: Star Wars which was ace, gets an honourable mention; Charlie Brooker’s 2015 Wipe (the best for a while) broke into my TV top 10; my gig at Warwick Wild Boar just before Christmas was big fun; plus accompanying Rufus Hound on Resist The Tide at Robin & Josie’s Shambles; I’d forgotten two non-music live events – the terrific Radio Future Sounds conference and J.B. Morrison’s book launch for Frank Derrick’s Holiday Of A Lifetime in Crystal Palace; and finally Holly McNeish reading her phenomenal poetry also broke into my top 10 non-gig live events.