Some highlights from Tam’s birthday, putt-putt, Park Run and a cycle around Chapman’s Peak. Special thanks to our patrons Jon, Rob, Pam and Graeme. Visit http://www.patreon.com/ryancalder Continue reading Vlog: Tam’s birthday
Vlog: Tam’s birthday
Tag: Tamlyn Calder
New album, songwriting and finding inspiration
It’s never a perfect science as to what makes a hit song. Some say the key to good songwriting is the melody. Some say good songwriting is the combination of a catchy melody with the right lyrics. Some say songwriting has little to do with it – it all depends on the artist… some artists will sell plenty of copies of a new album no matter how poor the songwriting is.
For me, Continue reading New album, songwriting and finding inspiration
Parenthood: The rockstar life
So there we were, Saturday night, 11pm… my missus and I… staring blankly at the mixer.
The birthday cake for our two-year-old daughter had just come out the oven and was cooling on the counter. The day began at 5.15am (our kids don’t quite understand why that’s illegal) and we haven’t stopped since then. Ah, parenthood.
The hypnotic effect of the butter icing swirling around in the mixing bowl was enough to begin my philosophical departure: what was life like before the birth of our kids?
I honestly can’t remember. My life was probably really pathetic. Back then, if I could remember, we probably Continue reading Parenthood: The rockstar life
Father once again… trying to be cool during the time of your life
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… it’s clichéd, I know, but it’s true: nothing can prepare you for the birth of a child. Fatherhood second time around it’s just as exciting, just as nerve-wracking. Continue reading Father once again… trying to be cool during the time of your life
Behind the Song: More Beautiful Tonight
I’ve long been a fan of Eric Clapton.
Now I know what you’re thinking, and you’re wrong. This is not a lyrical derivative of Wonderful Tonight, although I sometimes wonder if those kind of songs just lie dormant in our sub-conscience and make their way to the surface in subtle ways. As the band tells me, everything we listen to influences the music we create, some of it is just more dominant.
In actual fact, it was the Continue reading Behind the Song: More Beautiful Tonight
Behind the Song: Loving Every Day
This song was the first one penned for the new album, about four years ago. It was one of those songs which very quickly had a structure, but developed slowly lyrically… so much so that it was only completed last year.
So for those who don’t know, my beautiful wife Tamlyn Mary is the inspiration behind this tune. Without boring you with too many details, Tam and I met at a time when I was fairly rogue. Continue reading Behind the Song: Loving Every Day
