XTC, Steely Dan, Richard Thompson, David Bowie, Rush, Crowded House, Magazine, The Police, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, ELO, Small Faces, King Crimson (particularly Discipline era), The Beatles (of course), 10cc, Todd Rundgren, The Who, Roy Harper, Muse, Beach Boys, Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Aimee Mann, Stevie Wonder, Sparks, Queen, Elbow, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jellyfish, The Feeling, Roxy Music, Talking Heads.
Sounds Like
Ideally:
A seamless, varied and inventive blend of my formative influences, culminating in a cornucopia of harmony cascading over intelligent and pertinent poetry.
In reality:
A fifth rate Paul McCartney...or possibly a tone-deaf Beach Boys
1968 - Busy being born.
1970s - Largely ignored music in favour of Star Wars figures.
1980 - Grandma bought me "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police: Star Wars figures benefit from temporary ceasefire.
1981 - Mum gets Queen's Greatest Hits for Christmas, and I decide that I would be a more appropriate guardian of this item: Star Wars figures demobbed and sent to live in a box in the attic.
1982-ish - My friend Tim (who is into the Stray Cats at the time) gets a snare drum, and invites me to learn the guitar so we can form a band. Having suddenly found myself with lots of spare time on my hands...I accept.
1982-1985 - Several years of deciding what our band is called, without actually writing or playing any music.
1985 - First gig as last-minute-hanger-on bass player for punk band Abusive Mayhem.
1986 - First "proper" band, as guitarist and sometimes singer, Torture Garden (largely "The Mission"-loving, goth wannabes).
1987 - Quit band to concentrate on A-levels. Fail A-levels!
1988-1992 - String of different bands and projects (gothy, grungy, folky, hardcoresque, punky, proggy). Best of the lot: Gestalt (once described in local press as "The Smiths meet Rush"...you can only imagine, eh?).
1990s - A few bits and pieces, but largely thought music was shite in the 90s, and didn't really feel like throwing my hat in the ring.
2000 - Started to get a bit interested again. Bought an acoustic guitar, and decided to become sensitive.
2003 - Bought a PC and got some software. Began to write and record a bit more seriously.
2007 - Never one to rush anything, gave my first live peformance in a about 14 years. At this rate I might be ready for gig number 2 some time before I retire. Currently recording first solo CD... don't hold your breath.
"St Martyrs' Town" by Matt Henderson. Filmed by Neil Dalton
"The Thing That Never Was" by Matt Henderson. Filmed by Neil Dalton
"Karen's World" by Matt Henderson. Filmed by Neil Dalton
N.B. Other performance videos can be seen at "http://www.YouTube.com/matthenderson1968"
Hi there Long time no see .. or hear. No problem about the anally retentive grammatical error ... shows that you are bothered about what you write, doesn't it .. therefore it counts as a positive in my book.
Sorry about the Kurt Breeze link ... not belonging to me ... there is another Graham Breeze (a good friend of mine .. who also plays guitar and paints wonderfully) ... might be linked with him though.
Let me know what you're doing musically ... are you on our email post-out list ... if not, pass me your email ad. and I'll keep you up to date on our exploits.
Hey Weaselbum, hope all is well. Finally got around to listen, lazy oaf that I am. Very nice. Love Sunshine and Rain. Stick 'em on a CD for me next time you're down? Or just let me download them from here...free love, free music, free Nelson Mandela.
Ram FM is opening up one place in the final of the Over 18's category to a public vote. The band with the most votes gets direct entry into the final on Saturday 14th June. Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday 4th June with the result being announced at the last semi-final on Thursday 5th June @ The Venue in Derby. Please,vote for The Souvenirs. (Click the banner below and vote for us!)
We are releasing our new album on June 9th, but we are selling some pre-release copies now! If you want one, please go to www. kerfuffleonline. co. uk and we will post it straight to you!
When you start your day and you do not know the way, put LOVE in front of your tasks. Then you will know for sure, the way of your day. What is LOVE you ask? But only, A true smile
Hi Weaselberry, That picture of you is a bit hypnotizing. I really like your music! I especially liked Negative Pressure, and Is It Such a Crime. Lovely stuff! Good to meet you.
Oh look, I'm sitting above the Kirkster. I've been friends with those lovely people for about 14 years now. You couldn't meet better folk. Glad to be a matchmaker...
Hey there Mr. Weaselberry (if that IS your real name). Nice to make you acquaintance. Been enjoying your infectious music this overcast, rainy day. Great tunes! Thanks for getting in touch.
Hi Weaselberry, A fellow Midlander! Big thanks for the invite, much appreciated. Like your songs and I see DC Cardwell knows you. I reckon he would like your material. He writes some great songs. Have a great weekend.
