Midway into 2024 and while it's good to see the industry showing some recovery after the pandemic with some festivals rebooting following such a protracted break, a number of long standing festivals are failing, either cancelling altogether or experiencing huge financial loss. Many of my favourite venues have also ceased operating or no longer host live music sadly.
The year has started well having already enjoyed some new songwriting opportunities. I'm hoping to concentrate on not only writing with and for other artists, but also building on a new body of work for myself with a view to recording though I'm unsure of what form it should take. More exploration is required before any decision is made. I'm also learning to play lap steel.
I see many of my music contemporaries have re-instated their touring schedules to promote new music and strongly encourage you to support your favourite artists by buying their music and merchandise and particularly by pre-purchasing tickets to their live shows. It's still a real struggle for these artists who are having to cancel shows due to low numbers. Many are independent artists like me which means we're often out of pocket even with great ticket sales. Keep an eye out on social media for who's in town.
I’ll be stepping back onto the stage later in the year with some Next Gen family performing with me and I’m more than a little excited about that.
May 2024 enable us to enjoy some peace for a bit. Let us be kind, be patient and take care of each other.
Michelle
My artistic self is slowly re-emerging after what feels like a bizarre Covid hibernation where my other personas had full reign.
