Life and Website Updates
Hi everyone,
A lot of time has passed and a whole lot has happened since I have updated my website. My daughter, Fleur, coming into my life in December 2019 is certainly at the top of the list and now baby Byrne #2 is due December 2021. There has been lots of adjusting, lifestyle changes, nappy changes and not forgetting constant personal developments to become the best Dad that I can possibly be.
I have enjoyed the challenges of numerous things over the last two years such as hosting episodes along with my CT comrades for the “Home Series”. I thought I’d be completely lost without performing live music but something quite positive came out of something negative…. hosting, researching, writing and arranging music for each episode was one of the most enjoyable journeys I’ve ever taken. I guess I would call it a ‘saving grace’. It has brought me life changing values and a love within a whole new venture.
This new venture has sparked many ideas and interesting subjects to write new compositions upon… both personal and non-personal. In the past, researching for interesting subjects to write about was my plan of attack. In more recent times, I find it so much more stimulating, provocative and fulfilling when it finds me. I guess my aim is to write music that moves me without trying to conquer the universe as an end result. The quest for that perfect song has always been a healthy mind set.
With regard to compositions, some of the best songwriters are not always instrumentalists and because of this they require somebody to dress their compositions up in new clothes in order for them to showcase their music to the powers to be. I really enjoy the creative side in putting the best foot forward for that writer. Each arrangement is always a school day and a learning curve.
Another part of my daily routine needs to be personal fitness. And at my age it’s all about keeping the wolf from the door. I do enjoy the exercise, especially when it’s over and feeling a little better about myself. Online classes have been a life saver for me over the last few years while every other day I enjoy changing up the routine with cycling or running. This combination helps to keep me fresh.
Looking to the future is getting back out on the road, meeting people and doing what I have done since I was a much, much younger version of myself. Playing to live audience seems like a lifetime ago and the thoughts of live stage shows brings me home in many ways.
Having said that, it’s going to be very different this time. Over the last 14 years I have had my best friend, partner and better half beside me on stage and off stage. For the last two years I have been with my daughter, Fleur, morning noon and night. My second child is on the way, ‘please God’ and even the thoughts of driving to Dublin airport to fly away for a number of months is beyond a tough prospect if I am to be honest. At the same time, I’m incredibly lucky to pursue my career and making a living from it.
