So I'll try and make this a weekly thing. I was discussing the subject of writing last night with a friend (and a bottle of wine, it's true), and we decided that regardless of who reads them, these blogs are a good idea. Anything to get pen on paper. Text on screen. Speaking of which, I should certainly write some more songs. I tend to go through long periods without doing much, maybe scrawling bits here and there, and then give myself an absurd deadline for completing an album.

I think it works for me. Driving back from Scotland on Saturday night (just outside of Glasgow, if you're interested) I had the BBC World Service on and heard Nick Cave interviewed about his new book 'The Death of Bunny Munro'. There is something brilliant about artists who could rest on their laurels and their previous material, live it up and tour once every couple of years, cranking out their greatest hits; but instead keep producing fantastic, rich material, challenging themselves and taking risks. There are certainly lessons to be learnt here - about working, creating and performing. I'd love to think that regardless who was watching or listening I'd try and play guitar and write a few songs.

This is also a reason I find the 'illegal download' debate so interesting. For what it's worth I'd far rather people downloaded and heard any music I make than not. I accept that not everyone can afford £10 - £13 for a CD, and so if they need a copy, I hope they get it. It does amuse me when 'artists' who have been given huge advances on their CDs by their massive labels start to complain about 'illegal downloading' like it really affects them; like they wouldn't make music unless they got their 6 or 7 figure sum for doing it. Eddi Reader wrote about this recently in her blog on her Myspace page, and I agree completely.

So enough of this rambling - once again I'm avoiding going for a run on the basis that it might rain. I should really just suck it in and get out there... so all the best to all of you!

Dave

Monday morning..

Well hello...

So it's Monday morning, it's a little drizzly outside, and any ideas I may have had about going for a 'run' have been thwarted. Nevermind - it's really an excuse, I keep looking out of the window secretly hoping that it is still raining, so exercise can be postponed.

Christi's new album is coming along beautifully - and will be finished by October, no problems. Hugely grateful to Dave Wisdom and his studio at Brancepeth Castle for the time he's given up to help out. If you'd like to work with him let me know, and I'll get all of you in touch. It's got a huge variety of stuff on it, all tied together by Christi's voice and fiddle playing, which are both fantastic.

It'll be released on the new 'Furrow' record label, when we get it together - which should also be October time.

Having spent a bit of time in the US, reading about Obama's health care reform package really interests me. Republicans have been using the NHS as a reason why not to have a 'socialist' health package like its a bad thing, regardless of the fact that when I talk to people in this country who don't realise how the US health system works, they are astounded to find out that there is no such thing as 'free at the point of use' care over there. For its problems, the NHS is a system which looks after everyone - and such a thing should be highly valued. America really needs something which does the same thing; and doesn't let some fall through the net. A persons health really should not be dependant on the money they earn. I know this is a highly complicated and sophisticated issue bought down to basics; but sometimes this is what it comes down to, I really think.

I have two gigs with Tom this weekend - one at Bromley Cross folk club, (a new one for me) and then up to Scotland, to Douglas, this Saturday. I'll let you know all about it... or better still, come along and find out for yourself.

All the best

Dave