Cart| Saved by the Bell |
| What a nerve-wreckin day! I was lecturing 6th years in Portarlington School, Co. Laois, FOUR classes long!! Thank god I had Mark Conway with his accustic, because we managed to kill about one class with some singing! (Not the students... the time!) ;o) Also, at the beginning of one class, I was completly talked out, and almost had to resort to telling jokes, untill some student set the fire alarm off, forcing us to hang out at the basketball court for 15 refreshing minutes! (Thanks whoever you are, but I hope you never meet ''the boy who cried wolf'' scenario!) Like gigging tho, once it's over, its a massive relief, and I'll be buzzin for the rest of the day! The talk was about ''diss-ability'' awarness, and power of positive thought, with stories of my life, in relation to music/film and fun thrown in. To anyone that got a copy of the album afterwards, and stumble across this site, I hope yea enjoy it, and enjoyed today's longgg and drawn out talk! I know I said I wasn't going to accept any more gig offers till my band was tighter and more committed to gigging, but Friday week, 15th of Sept. Alan Loughrey from Tullamore wants me to do an accustic set in his pub ''LOUGHREY'S'' which suits me perfectly, because myself and Mark can do a small set without the fear of having to get rehearsals with a full band in such short notice. So, if youre knockin around town that night, and looking for a relaxing night of soft music and good quality brew, dont hesitate to pop in! Its a fine place, so Im really looking forward to it! NEWS of the upcoming single release of 'BREAKDOWN' will be confirmed by next week! Will be soon time to spread the word! *sigh* The sun is shining today, and the heat outside is savage so I think Im gonna head out in the garden to wrestle my dog Sam for a sod of turf!! ALSO, Massive congratulations to my great friend, and #1 fan Caoimhe 'Roachey' Roache for graduating today! ;o) Well done babe! (Its allll about the education today folks!) SO BE KOOL, AND STAY IN SCHOOL!!!!!! ;O) Bbs- Paddy Posted by paddy slattery on 06 September 2006 at 09:59 |
| X-Factor audition! (well.... ...almost!) |
Ok, let me set the scene... Myself and my musical accomplice Mark Conway played an accustic set last night in the Rugby Club, for a charity barbeque. The function room is massive, and we were tucked away under a bay window on one side of the dance floor. The oppsite side of the room was a passage through 3 archways leading into the bar/lounge where the crowd was... (A completly different room you could say.) Which technically meant we were playing to noone.... Aside from one table directly in front of us where my mates and family were. Of course it was identical to the set-up on the X-Factor auditions, and my mate Quazzie 'Louis Walsh' Quinn picked up on that and suggested we treat the gig as though we were auditioning! All was going well, in fact, it was going very well... Until none other than the cheif executive of MID 103.5 fm radio, Albert Fitzgerald and his wife came and sat at the table next to them!!!! Myself and Mark looked at each other, as things got a wee bit more serious, and it was now officially time to "sell ourselves" since Albert was now the Simon Cowell of the moment! Obviously my throat started to dry up, and go hoarse, and Mark's accustic magically shot right out of tune!! I even recall the walls closing in around me like that scene out of Indiana Jones! It didn't help seing a press photographer scouting around, snapping like his film was going out of fashion!! ........*sweats just thinking about it* ....We managed to keep our composure tho, and belted out some classics like ''breakfeast at tiffany's'' and 'why does it always rain on me?' along with songs from the album... And Albert nodded with approval, and shortly after, left with his wife, after sending us a wave of thanks... At least that's the signal I was picking up....A bizzare situation we found ourselves in, but it was great craic, and our set really did go down a treat! Such a shame we felt so alienated from the rest of the crowd tho... Yet another badly organised event, that had a furious chef telling us there was over 1,000 euros worth of food going to waste which was down to poor promotion. *sigh* Never-the-less, I still managed to freak out on the dancefloor afterwards as the dj, 'DJ KEV' as he's know, spun sum disc's till the small hours! I also ended up accidently snorting half a shot of zambuka!....but that's another story. ;o) As you can see, my mood has lifted since my last blog entry... I've been putting things into perspective latly, and trying to get real about the changes and new experiences in my life, and it seems to have done the trick. But not too real tho..... Real living seems a little boring! It's good to live the dream once in a while! This is a little O.T. but I think the opening track on Keane's new album, called 'Atlantic' is one of the most powerful, and inspiring songs I've ever heard.... anyways, enough typing for one hour. But before I shut up, I was out in the garden a few minutes ago and singing my head off to Travis's song ''Why does it always rain on me?'' and it literally started to pour down....It felt great, very refreshing.... but I'm starting to think.... IS IT because I lied when I was seventeen??? Hmmm......... if so, then which lie? I'm sure I've told a few! ;O) bbs- Paddy Posted by paddy slattery on 02 September 2006 at 11:39 |
| Who am I fooling... |
Just read through my own blog and had a massive reality check! Im becoming a fcuking hound chasing a fox! Everything I've written below seems like bullshhit!!.... A dream Im following... but not the dream Id originally intended in chasing! WHERE is my head at!? I don't like the road Im being ushered down... yet it seems so god damn accomidating and easy! Like freewheeling down a hill with a cool deceptive breeze in my face... I guess its always going to be easier to go down hill in life! Compliments here, praise there, cameras flashing, fones ringing.... What the fcuks that about!? Its not me, and just the slightest taste of that lifestyle is beginning to make me feel tired and mentally sick! Its so easy tho.......... to believe the hype! And believe Im something Im not............. TODAYS A NEW DAY! I need to cop on to myself and start to exercise my brain again, and do something intelligent, creative and positive... (I appologise if these comments offend anyone) Posted by paddy slattery on 29 August 2006 at 06:18 |
| What a weekend! |
Theres been radio interviews... Live performances...Number 1 sales in Heartbeat Cities... Possible RMG distribution deals... Gigs here and there... Lunch meeting date arrangments made with rich franchise owners... Amazing artwork designs... 'Breakdown' single radio premiers... Voice breakages......... (Oh yes...lets not forget those!) D'OH!! All going soo soo very well until all of a sudden I felt like I was hitting puberty again! Such a fantastic exciting few days, and what decides to happen!? Every singers worst nightmare.... my voice was strained, and I could barley hit high notes without croaking!! Oh man... I can't stop laughing thinking back on it now, but during the time it happenned I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me! And it was during real intimate moments, as I'd go for a high note....then.."argh@~^ghh...!?>..." <-----Thats the best way I can describe it in text. That's how disastrous it felt! And it happenned during the on-air radio performance too, in front of a crowed shoping center! Oops.... haha. Oh man..... but what a weekend all the same! As I was saying there, RMG, Irelands largest record distributer have verbally agreed to cut a deal with me, but no sooner than after Christmas, and I just recieved an email from Trina Rea (Late Late Show researcher) and they cannot get me on the show till after Christmas either. I donno what this is about Christmas, but perhaps they fear I'll be soo brilliant that they don't want me to draw too much attention away from the birth of our lord/christmas shopping season bonanza!!! (Yeah, I'd say that's it!) Have any of you ever read the poem I wrote called ''Bah-Humbug!'' ......I'll post it up on the forum later ;o) But thing's are really going great in relation to the album, and the intrest Ray Quinn (Heartbeat City) has shown confirms that. We have to arrange a lunch meet and discuss how the forthcoming single 'Breakdown' needs to be promoted etc and basically devise a strategy plan despite the fact that the like's of RMG haven't got the courage to work with unsigned/unknowns! And there I was thinking the music would do the talking! Unfortunately with these "suits" its all about marketability! But as I said before... I'm not going to kiss ass for a record contract, nor do I give a shhit about being "The next B-oh-no" I'm happy with the album I made, and the more people hear it the better for me, but I'm not going to sell my soul in the process! It'll be tough shhit for those "suits" not wise enough to see an opportunity when it's staring them in the face! Their loss....... Hmm... This blog entry is becoming a bit of a rant... I'm probablly getting cranky because my voice is wrecked and I've had feck all sleep. Ok, health is back on my priority list this week! Bags of physio, tons of sleep, and hapes of good eating. Time to whip myself back into shape! Anyone that's been to my gigs over the weekend, I hope you enjoyed yourselves!! Looking forward to FRIDAYs gig at the Rugby Club in Tullamore!! Massive thanks and respect to my band, Mark Conway (Electric guitar/Accustic/Backing vocals), Bethan Boltan (Keyboard) Ronan Nolan (Drums/Percussion) and the shy guy Ronan Mccaffery (Bass) Oh... I almost forgot... The highlight of my night last night at the Charit Concert! I was highest bidder on the cooolest little guitar!! 85euros. Noone was brave enough to keep bidding, I wouldda kept going till 1,085! ALL in the name of Charity of course! ;o) I'm sure my niece will have many years of happy rifftastic moments on it! Ok, enuff jibber jabber... I need me a drink.........of warm water!! *ahem/cough/hack/ahem* .........*sigh* My throat hurts! :O( Ciao. Paddy Posted by paddy slattery on 28 August 2006 at 10:57 |
| Everything's Roesy!! |
Went to an amazing gig tudder night in Birr, Co. Offaly. And one of the best songs I've heard in a long time 'Don't Be Afraid' was dedicated to me!!! Hell yeah! ;o) Roesy and his band (www.roesy.net) were playing and I was fortunate to get tickets to it 'cause it was sold out. (Cheers Josh, I owe ya one.) The sound, the performance and the songs were class... Needless to say I felt a bit intimidated by it all, reminding me that I have a lonnng way to go before I can perfect a show like this one! But Im still a novice, and a bit more stage experience and Im confident I could. Also, last night's radio interview and performance on Mid 103.5FM went well... It was an honour having Brendan Keeley play accustic along with me to Paul Brady's song 'The Island', accompanied by Noirin and Joe Rabbit on Key's and Accustic! I think during that song I felt for the first time, that I had arrived! Cloud 9 is my address for a while if anyones lookin for me! (hint hint Dave Fanning) *ahem* There was also a load of brilliant singers and musicians on the show, to name a few; James Kelly, 14 years old on Accordian, Noirin Rabbit singing 'You Raise Me Up' and a beautiful rendition of 'She Moves Through The Fair' by the equally beautiful Lisa English. Offaly is officially awash with amazing young talent! Massive thanks to Ricey Skully for inviting me back into the studio Saturday week, 26th for another interview and a chance to promote the single release of 'Breakdown' Your support and that of Radio 3 has been unbelievable. Also a big shout-out to O.C.I.L. (Offaly Centre for Independent Living) chairperson Michael Nestor, Leader Coordinator Sean Rikkard, and Maura Morgan for kicking down doors for me! Things are indeed very rosey.... A few gigs comin up tho, (see; NEWS.) ...so no doubt by Monday the nerves will be setting in! *pukes* So Im gonna try enjoy this weekend while I can... Adios amigos!! Posted by paddy slattery on 18 August 2006 at 11:37 |
| I'm feeling just fine....... |
...PARKING FINE that is!! I got a summins from the Garda Shikaloney this morning, with a nice cute little 60euro fine attached! :O/ For parking on a double yellow line.... OBVIOUSLY the ejit never seen the 'Disabled Sticker' in the windscreen!? It's ok to D.Y.L. park with a D.S. innit? Hmmm..i must do my research! They should have a spot to park outside the doctors on JKL Street in Edenderry anyways! Whats buggin me is that i was only in there for 5 feckin minutes.... Anywho.... Aside from that, i am feeling fine! Doctor called today, urine and blood results came back clear, just a bit of an infection which the ''slap on the wrist'' medication sorted out. So, im free to party my head off at my friends wedding tomorrow, and head off for a couple of nights over the weekend! Shur i have the life......... MUSIC NEWS: A single release is on the cards! 'BREAKDOWN' has been selected, and im aiming for a LATE August release. I'll keep the news section updated accordingly. Also, heard through the grapevine, none other than the legend himself, LARRY GOGAN has got a copy of the album, and apparently he likes it!!! And has possibly spinned a track or two on his show!!?? (if anyone can confirm this, please email me!) Gratzi! Tune into mid 103 fm next Thursday night, i'll be interviewed and singing between 10pm - 12pm *wOOt**wOOt* Posted by paddy slattery on 10 August 2006 at 07:47 |
| plenty of gigs and mega, but certainly didnt byte |
Okay okay.. Pathetic title of this blog, but it almost worked! and yes, the two gigs we had over the weekend were MEGA!! suuch a relief to have them over with, but i'm constantly re-living the moments in my mind! Twas a brilliant experience! The Stables gig was more of a learning experience, finding our stride, and adapting our sound projection for various types of audiences! Also playing on the same stage as Damien Rice and other greats was a massive honour! And the great news that any band or solo act wants to hear..."When can you come back and put on another show?" Both venues want us back asap, so atleast I can go out next time with confidence! Its so unbelievably nerve-wrecking tho. The biggest rush i think i felt was when i was singing 'Head over Heels' and the crowd were singing along with me almost drowning out my voice!!! Wow!! Now THATS what im talkin about!! (some middle-aged woman jumped up and shouted out the opening line "paddy..look into my eyes!" and everyone laughed which was hillarious!!) Of course i couldnt see her cause i was being blinded by two huge red spotlights! :O) Three songs that we covered in particular, 'The Island' by Paul Brady, 'Don't be Afraid' by Roesy and 'Love, me' by Colin Raye went down really well!!! It was a pleasure singing them, im just so glad i didnt fuck up any of the lyrics, cause i'd been learning them all week! I didnt think id be able to get through the weekend without being a total physical wreck with the viral infection, but im actually feeling ten times better! But thats probablly just post-gig adrenoline... I'll know tomorrow if i cant lift my head off my pillow i guess! Shout out to Mark Conway for a brilliant sound engineer job last night! And an over-all great performance over both nights! Also massive thanks and respect to Josh Johnston, and Ronan Nolan too for making it all happen!... and happen in style!! Thanks to mid 104 fm for the support and spinning the cd! Hellen from 2fm... I forgot your email address... I knew i would, so if you pop by this site drop me an email. Tell Dave to feckin add me to his 'myspace' ;o) OK, im gonna chillll for the week, and i'll keep the news section updated accordingly! Might be going to Donegal for a few nights break, i've never been there, but it seems like a beautiful place to escape to! BBS, Paddy Posted by paddy slattery on 07 August 2006 at 10:46 |
| its oh soo quiet....shhhhhhhhh... shhhhhhh...... |
Wow, Ive been practically stone deaf the last two days! my ears are blocked as if i was driving up a mountain, or had been swimming all day, and my ears are filled with water! :o/ Probablly need to be sringed! I hope i get it sorted before Fridays gig in 'The Stables' We've got Josh Johnston (www.joshjohnston.com) on keyboards with us Friday night so i'm looking forward to rehearsing and seing how it all goes. Should be an intresting week. My whole body's ina state or array since i went on this medication for the virus!! So, im tryna be on my best behaviour for a few days and recover somewhat..... Meaning NO ALCHOL or LOUD MUSIC WHILE I SCREAM MY HEAD OFF. (Such a boring weekend) :op ah no, its actually been a great weekend, filled with barbeques under stary skies, a "Premier Viewing" of the album launch DVD! (which turned out great!) ALL topped off by a brilliant rendition of 'Head Over Heels' sung to me by my two niece's Rebecca aged 4 and Chelsea aged 2! I was absolutly speechless... they sang it beautifully, word for word!! What an amazing way to end the week!.............Which reminds me... moments like these, although priceless, didnt come cheap. I promised them a fiver if they sang it! D'oh! lol The album has had a bit of a breakthrough this week too because theres lots of reports coming in that 2FM (Possibly Gerry Ryan)have been giving it some airplay!! WAHOO, lets hope it gathers momentum and catches listeners attention! *fingers crossed* Whoever aired it was also reported to have said "this song is taken from a brilliant debut album by Paddy Slattery" *GASP!!!* SERIOUSLY, Thats awesome!! i'm tryna find out which show it was, or if i can download it online! id love to hear it back... i'm surprised they wouldnt get in contact with me to tell me they were gonna play it *shrugs* ALSO........ Other fannnnnnnnntastic news... and i sh-it you not folks. Ronan Keaton... YES........ theeeeeeeeeeee Ronan Keaton has bough a copy of the album!!! he's a great friend of a friend of my uncle Colin, who has a load of copies of the album. and has promised to report back with an opinion after he has had a proper bo listen to it! (..............ahhhhhhhhhhhh,............ NO I KNOW I'VE MAD THE BIG TIME!) Fame, such a wonderous splenderous thing...... *ponders* (i wonder when do i get the 20euros he owes me!) Posted by paddy slattery on 30 July 2006 at 11:19 |
