A Month of Magic in the UK: "Just Like Clay" and Beyond

Hey Hivers!

It has been a while since our last post, we were constantly on the move and it was a bit of a blur. The past month has been an exhilarating journey through the UK, marked by the birth of a new musical project, unforgettable collaborations, and vibrant performances. Our new venture, "Just Like Clay," was crafted alongside Bonnie and Pete from Good Habits during a transformative week-long residency in Totnes at The Barrel House. This experience was not just about creating music but also about forging deep connections with the local artistic community.

Crafting "Just Like Clay" in Totnes

Our week in Totnes was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. The Barrel House provided the perfect backdrop for our residency, a haven where music and art could flourish. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant local scene, engaging in live improvisations with "Poets and Pints," a unique blend of poetry and music that sparked spontaneous creativity. We also had the pleasure of performing with the Be Water Jam band, whose dynamic energy and improvisational skills added a fresh dimension to our music.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our residency was working with the Turning Tides Project. This incredible group uses songwriting and music to help socialize young adults with learning disabilities. Collaborating with them was a humbling and inspiring experience, culminating in the creation of a new song that captured the essence of our shared journey.

The Final Show in Totnes: A Community Celebration

Our week in Totnes concluded with a community-driven final show, featuring an all-original repertoire of ten new songs. This collection, which we've dubbed "Anthemic Folk-Pop," blends the storytelling and rich harmonies of folk music with the uplifting energy of pop. The final performance felt like a true celebration, bringing together everyone we had collaborated with throughout the week.

Taking "Just Like Clay" on the Road

With our new repertoire ready, we embarked on a limited show run across four cities, performing in intimate concert rooms that allowed us to hone our new material. Each show was a chance to connect with audiences on a deeper level, sharing the fresh sound and spirit of "Just Like Clay."

Our final show in London at Hootenanny in Brixton was a high-energy affair, leaving us with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The crowd's enthusiastic response validated our hard work and creativity, setting the stage for our next big adventure.

A Whirlwind at Glastonbury

A few days later, we reconvened at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. Although our time there was short, we made the most of it, performing six shows in three days. The energy was electric, and it was a thrill to mix our established repertoire with a few of the new "Just Like Clay" songs. The festival's vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds were the perfect backdrop for our music.

A Familiar Finale at Solskin

Our UK journey concluded with a serene yet spirited performance at Solskin, a new Viking festival in the picturesque Peak District. This small, intimate festival was a stark contrast to the sprawling Glastonbury, offering a peaceful and community-focused environment. It was a beautiful way to end our UK leg, allowing us to connect with a close-knit audience and celebrate the end of an incredible month.

Looking Ahead this month

As we take a short break before our next adventure, we carry with us the memories and experiences of the past month. From the creative explosion in Totnes to the high-energy shows in London and the unique festivals in Glastonbury and Solskin, our journey through the UK has been nothing short of magical. We can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for "Just Like Clay" and our ongoing musical journey.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the road!