Tuesday 23 June 2009
weekday comedown
Well that was a busy weekend - not only have we had a great gig and taking part in the world record attempt at the ukulele festival, but there was a great top of the pops night as well! Videos and photos to come up, but in the mean time you can play spot the rishi (with ukulele not charango for a change!)!
Friday 19 June 2009
A more personal blog
So I've started a more personal blog - it will reflect more things that I think about rather than just being news items, which this one here is. Hopefully it will be fun to read. Try it if you dare!
Saturday 20th June gigs
We'll be wearing Hawaiian shirts in the afternoon at the London Ukelele Festival!!!
http://www.londonukefestival.com/
Tasteful!
This should be quite a big event - we'll be on the second stage I think between 1 and 2. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will be there as will 700+ other players in an attempt to break a world record! Its basically next to Liverpool Street Station.
Later on that evening we hope to be dressed as Jimmy Saville for a Top Of The Pops themed night out as well. On of those all night parties that should turn out to be a load of fun!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34052281619#/event.php?eid=78716...facebook Adi Stuart (the event organiser) for cheap £3 entry tix.
http://www.londonukefestival.com/
Tasteful!
This should be quite a big event - we'll be on the second stage I think between 1 and 2. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will be there as will 700+ other players in an attempt to break a world record! Its basically next to Liverpool Street Station.
Later on that evening we hope to be dressed as Jimmy Saville for a Top Of The Pops themed night out as well. On of those all night parties that should turn out to be a load of fun!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34052281619#/event.php?eid=78716...facebook Adi Stuart (the event organiser) for cheap £3 entry tix.
Monday 1 June 2009
music archives
We've just started a bandcamp site which allows people to download our entire back catalogue of music. We've had a rather haphazard approach to the whole digital download thing - this means that there will at least be ONE co-ordinated place to get our stuff from. Why not wander over and have a look?
ukulele fun
Well we hada great bash at the Ukey Love night at The Snooty Fox in London for my birthday fun. It was great, and it looks like we may get a spot at the London Ukulele Festival out of it! Watch this space for more!
Monday 11 May 2009
501 not out
So after three years we now have matched Brian Lara's highest ever first class innings total in terms of myspace friends. Thank you all. I may waste time posting something on peoples message boards.
In my entire cricketing career I think I have scored less that 501 runs in total, but as to our feat of Myspace friends, Brian Lara can't match that. He doesn't even have a myspace page. If you don't follow cricket this may not have made much sense to it. But then what do I say that does?
In my entire cricketing career I think I have scored less that 501 runs in total, but as to our feat of Myspace friends, Brian Lara can't match that. He doesn't even have a myspace page. If you don't follow cricket this may not have made much sense to it. But then what do I say that does?
Saturday 9 May 2009
Noone Else: Living Draw
A friend of a friend dropped an email to me a few months ago asked for permission to choose a song as a backdrop to a Living Draw. This was an entirely new concept to me, but having had a look at what she'd done, I was pretty impressed, so gave the thumbs up.
Anyway the end result is now up - its a story about a piece of wood. I have to say I am pretty impressed by it - it left me feeling emotional at the end.
Anyway the end result is now up - its a story about a piece of wood. I have to say I am pretty impressed by it - it left me feeling emotional at the end.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Cambridge Gigs In May
Victoria rushed into her daughters room, a smidgen of concern placed in
here mind by Becky's sobs having been what summoned her in the first place.
"Whats up?", she said, putting her arms around the straight haired 6 year
old.
"I got this months email send out from Karmadillo, and there was no news
about any gigs in Cambridge in there. I so wanted to see them."
Victoria let a wry smile, and bent her knees so her face was reassuringly
close for Beckys eyes to look back into. "Don't worry, thats just that
silly Rishi who keeps making silly mistakes when he does his sendouts.
Karmadillo *are* playing in Cambridge this month."
The sobs stopped - only paused though. There was still the hint that more
could come. "Really?"
"Yes, really, not once, but twice!"
"Thats great!" A smile, full of counterpointing joy to Victoria's wry one,
burst across her face. "When? Where?"
"Well one with the full band will be at The Cornerhouse on Wednesday May
13th - thats just a week away. The Cornerhouse, you know where that is
don't you?"
"Yes, next to the Renault garage, and near the Coldhams Lane - Newmarket
Road junction", replied Becky, showing off her precociousness at city
Geography that many couldn't believe any 6 year old could have possessed.
"And the other one is on the Friday 15th of May at CB2 on Norfolk Street -
thats a Love Music Hate Racism gig, but that will be quieter and acoustic.
Are you happy now?"
"Yes I am!" replied Becky. "Rishi is silly for fogetting to put those on
his last email wasn't he?"
"Yes, he was. But at least we can go to http://karmadillo.org whenever we
want more information about that fantastic band."
here mind by Becky's sobs having been what summoned her in the first place.
"Whats up?", she said, putting her arms around the straight haired 6 year
old.
"I got this months email send out from Karmadillo, and there was no news
about any gigs in Cambridge in there. I so wanted to see them."
Victoria let a wry smile, and bent her knees so her face was reassuringly
close for Beckys eyes to look back into. "Don't worry, thats just that
silly Rishi who keeps making silly mistakes when he does his sendouts.
Karmadillo *are* playing in Cambridge this month."
The sobs stopped - only paused though. There was still the hint that more
could come. "Really?"
"Yes, really, not once, but twice!"
"Thats great!" A smile, full of counterpointing joy to Victoria's wry one,
burst across her face. "When? Where?"
"Well one with the full band will be at The Cornerhouse on Wednesday May
13th - thats just a week away. The Cornerhouse, you know where that is
don't you?"
"Yes, next to the Renault garage, and near the Coldhams Lane - Newmarket
Road junction", replied Becky, showing off her precociousness at city
Geography that many couldn't believe any 6 year old could have possessed.
"And the other one is on the Friday 15th of May at CB2 on Norfolk Street -
thats a Love Music Hate Racism gig, but that will be quieter and acoustic.
Are you happy now?"
"Yes I am!" replied Becky. "Rishi is silly for fogetting to put those on
his last email wasn't he?"
"Yes, he was. But at least we can go to http://karmadillo.org whenever we
want more information about that fantastic band."
Friday 1 May 2009
Monday 13 April 2009
Cheesy T's fundraiser
Our first gig in London with drums! This is a fundraiser, with more info at the facebook page for the event.
Cancellation
Out Peterborough gig has been cancelled due to the Glass Onion organisers trying to focus properly on what they were trying to do, which was run an Arts and Community vibe rather than just a venue. Its a shame, as it was a lively and lovely place to play on past visits, but good luck to the new efforts.
Saturday 11 April 2009
209radio appearance photos
Photos from our session at 209radio.
Join the new monthly lottery at 209radio! £1 per entry (as many as you want). Prize fund of 30% of proceeds. Guaranteed only 1 winner per month. (entrants MUST be over 16)....But you have to be in it to win it, please email lottery@209radio.co.uk or call 01223 488418 to find out more. More info on their website.
Join the new monthly lottery at 209radio! £1 per entry (as many as you want). Prize fund of 30% of proceeds. Guaranteed only 1 winner per month. (entrants MUST be over 16)....But you have to be in it to win it, please email lottery@209radio.co.uk or call 01223 488418 to find out more. More info on their website.
Sunday 29 March 2009
That New Song Set
I don't often use this as a forum to bitch, but this night had so many ludicrosities in it that I just have to get off my chest - we supply the ludicrosities for the evening, not the management!
The first bit of a fun was setting up for this gig - when we walked in the door the barman was like - no setting of anything up until 8.30 because people were eating meals. Which was great given we were due to start at 8.45!
The Bakers has essentially two parts to the seating area. However at the end of the bar with the music on there was noone sat eating - all it meant was that there was a PA plus three bands worth of equipment piled up stopping anyone getting to any tables anyway. In the end he conceded to allow the soundguy to start setting up at 8. You really think the promoters would have sorted this out with the management by now. The sound guy coped admirably in the situation, though I couldn't quite comprehend his decision to have the seven piece Pixiphones set up all their stuff (not plugging it in for a sound check), then pack it away again, which seemed to mostly be an exercise in seeing of they could all fit onto the stage, followed by an exercise in hiding my coat with wallet in pocket under a cello. This ate into our set time and I was glad noone was paying to see us. Felt like a lot of aggro to go through for what ended up as a 20 minute set, especially when you don't feel like giving the venue any money for its beer. Its not like we got paid or even a complementary beer for this.
Playing is weird as you are at the vertex of a V shaped audience area with the door directly to the left of you. This makes it difficult for the audience to watch you as they are either blocking the bar or the front door.
Audience reaction to the new stuff was favourable, once the sound was sorted out two songs in. The new one to get the biggest thumbs up was 'Facebook Makes This Bit Easy', though I need to make a follow up to this entitled 'Facebook Makes Events Management Useless'.
Even going to the toilet is weird - having reflective walls and strategically placed CCTV in the gents makes me wonder what kind of perv this manager is.
KTP did a good job - James commented on how they were a Rush covers band in that they sound like Rush and play covers! They have changed their line up with the singer having also taken over drummer duties since I'd last seen them.
Once I retrieved my coat from where it had been hidden under a cello it was a case of being fed up with the venue and heading off to Claudia/Winter Kings birthday party, which in stark comparison to the Bakers, was an abject lesson in how to have good vibes given off to good music in a good venue. There was a nice little rock'n'roll covers going on, with a really excellent cut down Winter Kings playing a set in there as well.
The first bit of a fun was setting up for this gig - when we walked in the door the barman was like - no setting of anything up until 8.30 because people were eating meals. Which was great given we were due to start at 8.45!
The Bakers has essentially two parts to the seating area. However at the end of the bar with the music on there was noone sat eating - all it meant was that there was a PA plus three bands worth of equipment piled up stopping anyone getting to any tables anyway. In the end he conceded to allow the soundguy to start setting up at 8. You really think the promoters would have sorted this out with the management by now. The sound guy coped admirably in the situation, though I couldn't quite comprehend his decision to have the seven piece Pixiphones set up all their stuff (not plugging it in for a sound check), then pack it away again, which seemed to mostly be an exercise in seeing of they could all fit onto the stage, followed by an exercise in hiding my coat with wallet in pocket under a cello. This ate into our set time and I was glad noone was paying to see us. Felt like a lot of aggro to go through for what ended up as a 20 minute set, especially when you don't feel like giving the venue any money for its beer. Its not like we got paid or even a complementary beer for this.
Playing is weird as you are at the vertex of a V shaped audience area with the door directly to the left of you. This makes it difficult for the audience to watch you as they are either blocking the bar or the front door.
Audience reaction to the new stuff was favourable, once the sound was sorted out two songs in. The new one to get the biggest thumbs up was 'Facebook Makes This Bit Easy', though I need to make a follow up to this entitled 'Facebook Makes Events Management Useless'.
Even going to the toilet is weird - having reflective walls and strategically placed CCTV in the gents makes me wonder what kind of perv this manager is.
KTP did a good job - James commented on how they were a Rush covers band in that they sound like Rush and play covers! They have changed their line up with the singer having also taken over drummer duties since I'd last seen them.
Once I retrieved my coat from where it had been hidden under a cello it was a case of being fed up with the venue and heading off to Claudia/Winter Kings birthday party, which in stark comparison to the Bakers, was an abject lesson in how to have good vibes given off to good music in a good venue. There was a nice little rock'n'roll covers going on, with a really excellent cut down Winter Kings playing a set in there as well.
Thursday 26 March 2009
All ready for the all new song set?
Well, we're not!!! I feel like we are going to be playing a bit of bingo at this event, maybe we should give out cards and see who makes what mistake. For a change, James seems the least likely to make errors while playing - will have to get him really drunk!
Friday 20 March 2009
q from interview, the longest answer, more will follow
Is there a wider message to your music?
This aspect of my music comes and goes in phases. I do include politics in the songs I write - it is a subject that evokes emotion, and therefore is valid for artistic purposes - but try and do it from an angle that won't be so off putting to those who won't get into the political music per se. I myself get bored of political music easily, so try not to create it in too cliched a manner.
For example, one song on climate change is called 'Scuba Gear For Kittens', our song on house prices is called 'Rent Boy' and we reworked 'Its My Party' to be about how the Labour Party had changed its colours, to very well appreciated comic effect which seemed to hide the bile behind it well!
This aspect of my music comes and goes in phases. I do include politics in the songs I write - it is a subject that evokes emotion, and therefore is valid for artistic purposes - but try and do it from an angle that won't be so off putting to those who won't get into the political music per se. I myself get bored of political music easily, so try not to create it in too cliched a manner.
For example, one song on climate change is called 'Scuba Gear For Kittens', our song on house prices is called 'Rent Boy' and we reworked 'Its My Party' to be about how the Labour Party had changed its colours, to very well appreciated comic effect which seemed to hide the bile behind it well!
Sunday 8 March 2009
209radio broadcast link
We have a link for the show with Rishi on it playing some live music and discussing new material, upcoming gigs and the move to London up at the 209 radio website. For one week only, with photos to come soon!
Sunday 1 March 2009
Sunday 22 February 2009
Twitter thing set up
So, we've finally followed the Twitter vibe, though it comes classed as yet another thing to update. Its also another thing where we've had to go with the karmadildo thing instead of our band name, which makes me feel even less enthusiastic about using it. Follow us if you haven't been put off by the immense negativity that I've been feeding you all!.
209radio interview date set
Just to pop up and say I will be doing a short solo set on 209radio on Friday March 6th, sometime around 11! Perfect way to preview the gig the following Tuesday!
Monday 2 February 2009
snowy the dog
Hope you are all enjoying the snow - much milder than what was in Chicago this time last year I have to say!
I've found an online version of an open mic I did on tour in the US this time last year. This venue was great, and it would have been nice to organise a proper gig there. My discovery that night was of Emily Kaitz, due to someone covering her song, 'When I'm Dead, Dress Me In Drag'.
http://theutah.org/artist/rishistar
There are also updates on the gig pages...check them out
I've found an online version of an open mic I did on tour in the US this time last year. This venue was great, and it would have been nice to organise a proper gig there. My discovery that night was of Emily Kaitz, due to someone covering her song, 'When I'm Dead, Dress Me In Drag'.
http://theutah.org/artist/rishistar
There are also updates on the gig pages...check them out
Monday 12 January 2009
First recordings with Juliette online
Now we have some first recordings of ourselves with Juliette drumming mixed down, the next task is to get them onto the world wide web. On our website, no big deal, this was not a problem.
I will shortly be adding it to our facebook group as well - these guys interestingly make you send over passport details and stuff before they allow you to upload.
However, with Myspace, I just fail. after grappling with the maddingly unintuitive UI to find the place I go to add the music, it doesn't let the song upload! Which is annoying as one of these is the very popular Rent Boy. I'd like to add it, I really would. But for now it'll have to be one of the other two places where you get your fill.
Friday 2 January 2009
ex-Babyshambles support slot! Next Week!
The next gig date is supporting the ex-Babyshambles front man Adam Ficek, in his new project Roses Kings Castles! Also playing that night are Paul Goodwin and Emmanuel Martin
Portland Arms, Mitchums Corner, Cambridge. Cost is £6 advance, 7 on the door. Tickets available online
Portland Arms, Mitchums Corner, Cambridge. Cost is £6 advance, 7 on the door. Tickets available online
Happy New Year!!!
Hi folks - first of all wishing you all a great, happy and decreased Carbon footprint 2009! The first 'new' Karmadillo thing is the change to the main website - check it out!
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