A Mention Of Many Things

Suffice it to say, I hope this finds you well and clinging on.

I've been thoroughly enjoying gigging this year and would like to thank everyone who's come along so far and for all the support which means so much. Amongst the various shows I've enjoyed playing already, I was reminded again in March why I love playing house concerts. I had the honour of playing Live At Thornsett Road to a wonderful crowd who helped to make it such a special evening. As did the hosts, Chris & Gerri, as well as the wonderful Joey Clarkson who opened the evening in not inconsiderable style! The next day I played the inaugural Cuckoo Session in Bracknell which took place on a Sunday afternoon and was equally special. Meeting and making friends on these occasions is such a huge and rewarding part of the whole experience, and along with the privilege of playing music, is the great joy in all this.

It's been a real encouragement to see and hear the reception that the new material has been getting too.. thank you for that! There are more songs nearing completion, as well as one ready to be rolled out on 24th April at Newhall Labour Club! Things being the way they are, I wanted to record a video of it this week and put it up but I've been gifted a rather unpleasant cold which would not lend itself to singing. Instead, I decided to record a spoken-word version which is available to view on Facebook here. Please take a look and if you feel as I do, you're very welcome to share it around.

On Trust Events launched at the end of February and I've been busy promoting the first gig (see below) and chatting about it a little on radio and in print. There are a few other irons in that particular fire which I'm hoping will soon bear fruit so more OT gigs are on the way. (Yes, I know that's a mixed metaphor but I care not!) If you haven't yet been over to the OT website, please head over there and see what it's all about. You can also follow OT on Twitter and Facebook too.

(Oh, and did you know that SP is now on Instagram?! Just head to StevePledgerMusic and follow.)

With all these new songs and an ever-widening gap since the last album, a visit to the studio is something I really should get around to arranging. Until that time though, I can tell you that a brand-new recording of a brand-new song is available to stream and download now. 'What If?' is a specially written and recorded piece which will feature on an upcoming album of the same name. The album has been compiled by Graham Grundy to raise funds for RT Projects, a Durham-based mental health organisation helping people through means of artistic expression. Beano is the manager of RTP and wrote the poignant words to 'What If?'. The compilation itself features tracks from a host of various amazing artists and styles and will be launched on 1st June at a special concert at Dunelm House in Durham. The concert will be headlined by the brilliant singer/songwriter Martin Stephenson and includes artists featured on the album, of which I shall be one. Tickets are on sale now and you can book and find out more here.  Please do take a listen to the song here and, if you can, please do download it. There is a minimum cost of just £1. Your support will be greatly appreciated and having visited RTP on a number of occasions, I can assure you that it will be put the best of uses. Thank you.

If you can make it along to any of the upcoming gigs listed below, I would love to see you! I have solo shows... a co-headline gig with the incredible Harry Pane... a Songwriter's Circle with two stupendous artists in the form of Greg Hancock and Sam Slatcher... I'll be returning to old venues and discovering new ones. I even have the honour of opening for the marvelous Harbottle & Jonas whilst I'm on a short visit to Devon on 13th April! Please check out these dates and there'll be more to follow. If you would like to host/promote a gig, please do drop me a line. There are many ways of doing it, many of which not nearly as scary as you may think! House gigs... village halls.... an On Trust Event if you're in County Durham... any number of ways. Have songs, will travel! Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to know more.

And finally, on that same subject, I'm more than a little chuffed to be able to say that I am now represented by Branched Out Music! They have an unparalleled passion for music and for the artists they believe in, so I am very happy indeed to have them in my corner.

In the mean time then: will you keep your head up if I promise to try and do the same? Great. It's a deal then!

Peace,

Steve x

13th April - Exeter (opening for Harbottle & Jonas)

24th April - Newhall Labour Club, Derbs.

26th April - Annfield Plain Comunity Centre - On Trust Events.

10th May - Surf Cafe, Tynemouth (co-headlining with Harry Pane)

18th May - Claypath Deli, Durham (Songwriter's Circle with Greg Hancock and Sam Slatcher)

24th May - The Lord Nelson, Derby

25th May - The White House, nr. Welshpool

29th May - Culm Valley Music & Performance Club, Devon

30th May - The Lion Inn, Timberscombe, Somerset

1st June - LAUNCH OF 'WHAT IF?' Dunelm House, Durham (A special concert featuring Martin Stephenson, Steve Pledger and many more)