Just to report - have received and banked the lovely cheques from, you'll never guess, 'Persevere Records' from the Proclaimers who are printing my images that I drew of them back in June, on their t-shirts and other merchandise - Pretty cool huh?! Who fancies strutting their stuff in an original Jenny Soep/Proclaimers t-shirt??!! Don't know when they'll be ready to purchase, but should be before the year is out - could make a nice Xmas pressie?!!
Exhibition madness at the moment. Going to be a MAD couple of weeks. Thankfully Kim, my wonderful sister is the event organiser - she's just graduated from RSAMD with flying colours, great national press review, and great recommendations. She's a fully qualified Theatre designer and Stage Manager, but is moving into more Art based events/exhibitions. She's more than capable of managing this expo, but for the mere fact that she's trying to organise ME, and she's really being put to the test.
She definitely deserves a holiday after this one!!
You better all be at it - STV are coming to the preview which is invite only - so if you're interested - give me an email - info@jennysoep.com and I'll post you an invite and put you on the guest list. Deadline is October 8th to be put on the guest list. It's set to be a great night with Popup, The Yellow Bentines and the Sorren MacLean Band playing, a Top DJ, live drawing performances by yours truly, and animator/VJ Garry Whitton strutting his stuff too. Will definitely be a night to remember. It's right next to a campsite too so bring a tent or there's a big list of accomodation providers who are offering discounted prices to Exhibition goers. So book your place now to avoid missing out on this Unique Multimedia Art Extravaganza!!! Woohoo!
Saturday 29 September 2007
Monday 24 September 2007
Paul MacKay - 1st Waterfront Open Mic I went to
Oh how things have progressed since those days, but I still like this drawing. Makes you just want to go up and give him a hug bless'im!
Saturday 22 September 2007
Oban Open Mic Night 20 Sept 07, The Best Yet
This is the hottest night in Oban, I'm not kidding, the line up get's better everytime.
Here's Matt Goodwin, aka 1/2 MT, who sounds like he's been smoking and drinking and rock and rolling for about 20 years more than his age - at 22 he's an old timer in a young Dude's body, while making sweet music with his accoustic. Only one Oban Mic Night left before he heads off around the world then back to the U.S of A. More's the pity.
Here's Pod, Kim and a random chappie. Kim is tres sexy on the old Sax, and Pod plays like he's been living the Blues a lot longer than Matt, though apparently has only been playing his steel guitar for a couple of years, which I assume is WAY less than Yankee Boy.
Great set by Lana, Jack, Chaz and James. Lana is the most stunning singer to hit Oban just now, and is definitely someone to watch out for.
The Lemmings - More switched on this time; great set again. Check out their myspacE.com/savethoselemmings.
The Lemmings' Lead guitarist Ben played a fantastic LapTapping tune. Has to be seen to be believed. Another valuable musician to watch out for. Unfortunately Chunks were on beforehand playing a too short set which meant that my drawing was not as finished as it could have been. Made use of this though to add a bit of alternative texture in the background of Ben's Picture. See what you think!
So that's that for now. Unfortunately I didn't get to draw the first couple of acts including Claroline/Clarolynn? with her Zen guitar. Another great 'import' from the U.S.A.
So if you want to get a taste of what they're like, guess you'll just have to keep your ear to the ground for the next open mic night - The Waterfront restaurant/bar should be up to date with it's clandestine scheduling...
Here's Matt Goodwin, aka 1/2 MT, who sounds like he's been smoking and drinking and rock and rolling for about 20 years more than his age - at 22 he's an old timer in a young Dude's body, while making sweet music with his accoustic. Only one Oban Mic Night left before he heads off around the world then back to the U.S of A. More's the pity.
Here's Pod, Kim and a random chappie. Kim is tres sexy on the old Sax, and Pod plays like he's been living the Blues a lot longer than Matt, though apparently has only been playing his steel guitar for a couple of years, which I assume is WAY less than Yankee Boy.
Great set by Lana, Jack, Chaz and James. Lana is the most stunning singer to hit Oban just now, and is definitely someone to watch out for.
The Lemmings - More switched on this time; great set again. Check out their myspacE.com/savethoselemmings.
The Lemmings' Lead guitarist Ben played a fantastic LapTapping tune. Has to be seen to be believed. Another valuable musician to watch out for. Unfortunately Chunks were on beforehand playing a too short set which meant that my drawing was not as finished as it could have been. Made use of this though to add a bit of alternative texture in the background of Ben's Picture. See what you think!
So that's that for now. Unfortunately I didn't get to draw the first couple of acts including Claroline/Clarolynn? with her Zen guitar. Another great 'import' from the U.S.A.
So if you want to get a taste of what they're like, guess you'll just have to keep your ear to the ground for the next open mic night - The Waterfront restaurant/bar should be up to date with it's clandestine scheduling...
Ardfern Battle of the Bands 8 September 2007
Just updating the old blog with the winners of the ABOTB.
There are still some originals left if you want to get in touch - info@jennysoep.com
Over 18s
Another Misadventure - Cameron 1st
Another Misadventure - John 1st
These two played a bloody good set considering they were missing a vital part of their group - Rona on violin and vocals who was playing at a wedding. Part of their prize was to play at Tarbert Music Festival, though the complete group managed to get a paid slot in the evening and prove their worth. They need to get more material together, but as it was their 2 x 1/2 hour sets were well received and worked well with the passing audiences who only seemed to settle in for 1/2 an hour in each venue. Their final half hour was definitely the best. Tarbert Music Festival had a great vibe which the persistant rain didn't seem to dampen, although I'm sure fine weather would have inspired more people to attend. As it is, the way Tarbert and it's music venues are laid out makes for an excellent Fest.
The Open Plan - Joint First with Another Misadventure, tho' A.M. had one point more from the judges.
Best set yet at ABOTB, tho' I'm sure the front man Kieran is going to strangle himself with his mic one of these days...Good vibe.
The Waterfalls - 3rd
Neil Gillies, The Waterfalls
My favourite set from these guys is still the very first one they played at the Oban open mic night at the beginning of the summer. Ruaraidh has a great voice, and if you're into Oasis then you should give them a listen. Will keep an ear out for developments.
Under 18s
The Anyways - 1st
These chaps were the definite winners by far with the singer's unique voice and delivery - tho' he seems quite shy, he was obviously still in charge. The drummer Ali, 14 years old, is a Ginger Baker in the making, tho' less crazed (perhaps...)
Definitely a band to watch out for.
Jillian - 2nd
Bags of confidence, with some great material - Coffee and Cigarettes - don't know if that's a title or a lyric, but I liked the song. I'm pretty sure she could have gone on for hours if the organiser hadn't reminded her how many she could play. Joni Mitchell-esque.
The Secret Cyclists - 3rd
Young Band from Oban. I'm looking forward to hear their progress.
There are still some originals left if you want to get in touch - info@jennysoep.com
Over 18s
Another Misadventure - Cameron 1st
Another Misadventure - John 1st
These two played a bloody good set considering they were missing a vital part of their group - Rona on violin and vocals who was playing at a wedding. Part of their prize was to play at Tarbert Music Festival, though the complete group managed to get a paid slot in the evening and prove their worth. They need to get more material together, but as it was their 2 x 1/2 hour sets were well received and worked well with the passing audiences who only seemed to settle in for 1/2 an hour in each venue. Their final half hour was definitely the best. Tarbert Music Festival had a great vibe which the persistant rain didn't seem to dampen, although I'm sure fine weather would have inspired more people to attend. As it is, the way Tarbert and it's music venues are laid out makes for an excellent Fest.
The Open Plan - Joint First with Another Misadventure, tho' A.M. had one point more from the judges.
Best set yet at ABOTB, tho' I'm sure the front man Kieran is going to strangle himself with his mic one of these days...Good vibe.
The Waterfalls - 3rd
Neil Gillies, The Waterfalls
My favourite set from these guys is still the very first one they played at the Oban open mic night at the beginning of the summer. Ruaraidh has a great voice, and if you're into Oasis then you should give them a listen. Will keep an ear out for developments.
Under 18s
The Anyways - 1st
These chaps were the definite winners by far with the singer's unique voice and delivery - tho' he seems quite shy, he was obviously still in charge. The drummer Ali, 14 years old, is a Ginger Baker in the making, tho' less crazed (perhaps...)
Definitely a band to watch out for.
Jillian - 2nd
Bags of confidence, with some great material - Coffee and Cigarettes - don't know if that's a title or a lyric, but I liked the song. I'm pretty sure she could have gone on for hours if the organiser hadn't reminded her how many she could play. Joni Mitchell-esque.
The Secret Cyclists - 3rd
Young Band from Oban. I'm looking forward to hear their progress.
Tuesday 11 September 2007
James Cadd - Music Photographer
Get this one of me!! Don't I look like I know what I'm doing! James Cadd, underrated music photographer who needs to be paid WAY more for what he does.
He's also taken a couple of very nice pics of me in action. As you can see! Check out the rest of his blog http://www.flickr.com/photos/cadd to see what other brilliant gigs he's documented. And pay up people - it's a hard life documenting music and proving you're original.
Monday 10 September 2007
The Invasion of the Connect Festival Pics Begins
At last I am fairly pleased with the following pictures especially this one - I got the lasers, the improvised movement, the costumes, the musicians in the back - just wondering whether to accentuate the hanging banners in the back which I've drawn in green felt tip. It's possible they are getting mixed up with the lasers, but it seemed justified at the time, so I might colour in the negative spaces with a contrasting colour. Then again, I may just leave it...
Bjork as Empress!!
Detail of the spectacular.
A different assimilation of scenes - This was the pic that had red wine artfully flung and now is encorporated for ever - I actually put more red in the stains since they just dried in grey.
And the detail...
Wowsers this was a very cool show - quite chuffing stuff to be allowed to draw while everyone else got cleared out the way!!!
By the way, more details!
Very impressed with the magical aounds and entertainment of this lovely 'all girl' group from Brighton. Stunning little songs, full of elements and emotions.
Sad, but apparently not as tragically sad as the QMU gig their official last one in Glasgow,the mother city of contemporary music. Amazing gig, and still tragic. This shows detail of the main singer chap - can you spot him crouched while mid flow during the last ever song of Aereogramme. I really hope these guys continue to follow their music, whether with each other or not.
Saturday 8 September 2007
Emma Pollock, Connect Festival
Emma Pollock, Drawn on Saturday Morning at Connect - invited at the last minute she played well under her alias 'TBC'. A fine Songstress and lovely lady. Always a joy to draw, and always room for more.
Just to say Emma Pollock will be playing in the Pacific Quay along with The Dykeenies, and The Royal We on Monday night hosted by Vic Galloway as a sort of House Warming - sounds like great fun - I think you can get your free tickets by calling the Radio Scotland number which you'll be able to find on their website - that's if they're not gone already!
Thursday 6 September 2007
The Challenging Pictures from Connect, and the rules behind 'accentuation'.
Modest Mouse washed away in the rain
Echo and the Bunny Men - After Modest Mouse I managed to get a drier seat.
I managed to draw this from side-stage which was pretty cool, but cramped and badly lit - hence muddiness. This picture is in it's raw state and I'm going to have a go accentuating it to how I remember the event. But time is ticking on, and my memory is fading somewhat. Accentuating requires peace and quiet where I'm not disrupted - this is a bit challenging without an actual studio, but that's something to be remedied.
No radio, no answering of telephones, no music apart from that of the band in the picture. Especially no TV. Without these distractions and with functional broadband to listen to music and view photographs to confirm minor details, accentuation of festival pictures will take about 2 days. With distractions, it can take a week. Hence, it's Thursday.
I also want to include the same photo of Echo and the B without my adding 'auto levels' in Photoshop since although the picture is a little darker, the colours are more realistic.
Should add Patrick Wolf, just because I wasn't initially going to see him since it was rather a trek from one side of the festival to the other by myself with all my materials, just to trek back for Aqualung in the Manicured Noise tent, and other acts in Your Sound and Guitars and Other Machines stage. As it was it was a last minute decision, and thankfully, I was quite pleased with the resulting picture even though I only got less than 15 minutes. Patrick seemed to like it too. A lot of the musicians seemed to think I was doing it for free for them, without realising this is how I plan to support myself as an artist. A lot of people like what I do, but pricing it is tricky. I'll reserve talks about pricing for another post. Meanwhile here's Patrick plus detail.
Wednesday 5 September 2007
Bjork Madness
Oh bugger. I just wiped off my humerous little observations; how to be as factual and witty in this next edition...
Suffice to say Bjork has been irritating me all afternoon - 3 hours to hum, haw and accentuate one of the pics I did of her - the other had mud and red wine oh so artfully placed by random members in the audience. Quite intrigued to see how these tangible souvenirs can be made into assets rather than faults regarding composition.
LCD Soundsytem is a much clearer picture, and I wonder if perhaps trying to draw all the many ingredients to Bjork's performance was necessary. At this moment in time I think it was, as to not have included them would have seemed an injustice to 'drawing the experience'.
As it is I most definitely need to refine my 'festival drawings' approach; Firstly, I might need a bit of cover from any rain. My picture of Modest Mouse was washed away infront of my eyes due to the incessant drizzle (a few looks from bewildered people as to what I was trying to do) - I didn't want my brother to hold a brolly as it would have blocked people's view. I may try to add colour/detail from memory, or just recycle it. Hopefully next year, my fellow animator Garry Whitton and I will be able to strut our stuff in a more sheltered set-up. I have plans people, oh yes, I have plans!!! You can check Garry's animations and time lapse of my drawings here at http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=224541549
Then there was the misplaced judgement of the pre-Bjork act M.I.A in offering free reign to the audience to come up on stage, trampling with complete disregard as to where their clumpy mud encrusted footwear was placed (stationary audience members' headspace, my brushes, canvases!) - twas an onslaught of mooning drunk folk and joyful fame chasers - meanwhile MIA was given the red card by the unprepared security folk!!! I have to say though, it was amusing having a bit of unplanned excitement at Inverary Castle's first 'boutique festival' - though a few disgruntled and dishevelled Bjork fans would probably disagree.
Anyway, time is ticking away while I blether on. Will update soon.
Suffice to say Bjork has been irritating me all afternoon - 3 hours to hum, haw and accentuate one of the pics I did of her - the other had mud and red wine oh so artfully placed by random members in the audience. Quite intrigued to see how these tangible souvenirs can be made into assets rather than faults regarding composition.
LCD Soundsytem is a much clearer picture, and I wonder if perhaps trying to draw all the many ingredients to Bjork's performance was necessary. At this moment in time I think it was, as to not have included them would have seemed an injustice to 'drawing the experience'.
As it is I most definitely need to refine my 'festival drawings' approach; Firstly, I might need a bit of cover from any rain. My picture of Modest Mouse was washed away infront of my eyes due to the incessant drizzle (a few looks from bewildered people as to what I was trying to do) - I didn't want my brother to hold a brolly as it would have blocked people's view. I may try to add colour/detail from memory, or just recycle it. Hopefully next year, my fellow animator Garry Whitton and I will be able to strut our stuff in a more sheltered set-up. I have plans people, oh yes, I have plans!!! You can check Garry's animations and time lapse of my drawings here at http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=224541549
Then there was the misplaced judgement of the pre-Bjork act M.I.A in offering free reign to the audience to come up on stage, trampling with complete disregard as to where their clumpy mud encrusted footwear was placed (stationary audience members' headspace, my brushes, canvases!) - twas an onslaught of mooning drunk folk and joyful fame chasers - meanwhile MIA was given the red card by the unprepared security folk!!! I have to say though, it was amusing having a bit of unplanned excitement at Inverary Castle's first 'boutique festival' - though a few disgruntled and dishevelled Bjork fans would probably disagree.
Anyway, time is ticking away while I blether on. Will update soon.
Tuesday 4 September 2007
LCD Soundsystem and Connect Festival
What an amazing weekend. Full of amazing music, acts, performances, food, people. Yep, there was mud, rain, and theft - people - don't be carrying valuables or big wads of cash or leaving them in your tent at festivals - most people are lovely and peace loving folk, but some people go with a mission to rob you blind. Don't be a numpty. But apart from all that, it was a brilliant first festival in a stunning setting (especially when the sun shone!)
Anyway, here's the first installment from the festival. I've deliberately chosen not to delete the 'paper' out of the picture just as an experiment though I'm still undecided on the presentation. More later.
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