Good Times!

Sorry for my disappearing act last week but I was immersed in the wonders of rural Ibiza! Myself and Gavin spent an amazing 5 days at my friends house in the hills writing new songs for the album. It was a very special experience having long days, beautiful weather, set in the most exquisite of locations high up looking over the tops of trees, filling in the blanks of songs that we have been penning for the new album. It also allowed me to finish off the Global album and really allowed me to solidify the concept for the record. Essentially a sunset to sunrise experience - I think I mentioned before - but sitting there actually listening back in such an amazing place, it really works in that way.

Hence that is why the album will be set in Bangkok. The perfect sunrise to sunset location. I will be out there playing on June 12th at Club 808. It's going to be a pretty interesting experience as it is definitely going into the unknown for me but think it suits the music perfectly. The release date is July 27th and I will let you know the track listing as soon as it is totally confirmed as I am just waiting for the last of the licensees to be confirmed, but as I said it is a pretty eclectic journey there are some new exclusives by UNKLE including our new Big Pink remix and a track called 'Heavy Drug' which is a instrumental very euphoric club cut which will be on our new album but in a more live form. It also includes records both past and present favorites of mine over the last four years and things that have been recently blowing up the spot!

So from there got back to pretty heavy bank holiday weekend. Brixton on the Saturday - got to say, not really feeling London right now! And then Southampton boat party on the Sunday which has to be one of the best gigs this year. The promoters were fantastic, the atmosphere and people were amazing - I want to thank everyone for coming, especially Rebecca, Andy and the hotel crew! I had such an amazing time, to the point where I didn't come back until the following day. It is definitely what the best of clubbing is all about.

And then back in the studio this week to finish of the last of demos to be sent off to collaborators. Pretty much ground hog day! I think next week we will start getting into putting more vocals down and start taking these tracks to the next stage. We've been also looking at studios to record in, looks like we are going to spend two weeks in Edwyn Collins studio in north London which is analogue heaven. More synths and outboard gear than the empires got storm troopers! I think the plan is to spend the end of July and the beginning of August recording, mixing over September/October and out for February - but don't hold me to it - you know how it goes!

Looking forward to the weekend, playing in Lithuania, Eastern Europe is always a gas. And on a last note Happy Birthday to Lorna.

I thought also you might enjoy a few recent photographs just to add a little bit of colour to my blog, they are from Matthew Puffet, my best friend and long time touring partner who will be keeping us up to date with a bit of tour and studio nonsense. Click on the images below to view more photos.

Birthday Gig in Minsk








High Tide Boat Party, Southampton








Studio








Thanks guys have a great weekend and until next week enjoy!