2nd Album Project - Calling Team PMers and other potential Collaborators!

Hi All,

Apologies again for protracted radio silence. A mixture of time away to recharge and general work demands have meant that this is my first blog post since the concert in August. However, I wanted you to know that I haven't been standing still.

As I mentioned in Summer, we now have a full pool of songs for a new album collaboration. I have been researching potential studios for the recording process, including Parr St in Liverpool where we recorded the first album, as well as other Liverpool studios as the city boasts some incredible facilities.

However, I also discovered that my current home town Frome has recently built a very decent studio with lottery money in the last 2 years which also does decent rates for local community members! I went to see them on Friday and really think it could work recording here...AND it's on my doorstep, hoorah! It's been good enough for Tom Jones to record there recently so I'm sure it's good enough for us.😉

https://bertjanschstudio.com

So, I've ask the studio producer Dom to cost a block recording session in March 2023, to give me time to put together a plan for all participating musicians and of course a central kickstarter campaign offering various rewards like last time for different levels of donation. These will include VIP trips to the studio for recording sessions, Backstage passes for the launch concert, Credits/dedications on the album artwork etc. etc. I'm open to all your suggestions on what these rewards may be, and even to potential creative involvement beyond what is offered by the campaign. Whatever helps to make you feel a genuine part of this collaborative process. That's what is most important to me.

The album pool of songs is as follows:

1. I’m Always Here (Pop) 2. *Shared Not Owned (Gospel/Soul) 3. *Please Stay (Folk/Ballad) 4. *Plastic Soldiers (Rock) 5. Funk Transfusion (Funk/Soul/Dance) 6. *Without You (Pop) 7. Promise You This (Pop) 8. Thinkin’ About You (Ballad/Pop) 9. Turn This World Around (Acoustic Rock/Pop)

10. Caged Bird Sings (Country/Rock) 11. Right Now (Acoustic Rock/Pop)

12. I Like It (Indi/Blues/Rock)

All above compositions have been penned by myself and those with asterisk are collaborations between myself and Jon Barnett, whom I have been mentoring creatively.

Let me know your thoughts about any of the above, or indeed any suggestions you believe will improve further on the incredible experience we all shared when delivering the first album and film. I'm open to anything at this stage, though I will obviously need to hone things over the coming couple of weeks to get the campaign up and running on kickstarter.

I am so excited by the prospect of steering another people-project with you. I do hope you can join us. I have missed our collaboration enormously on both a soul and heart level. Your lack of presence in our daily routine has left a massive hole since the pandemic started. I can't wait to spend some time once more following our collective hearts and minds. I hope you feel the same way and can be a part of it.

Love and light,

Mark xxx