OK, hi everyone! Hope the new year is treating you well and that you all had a great Christmas holiday!

So first; the good news! I’m very happy to announce my album launch party gig will be taking place at The Maze in Nottingham on the 20th February.  Full details will be announced within the next few days, but I can already confirm Adam Peter Smith will be one of the supporting artists. I can also tell you that you will be able to buy my new album at a discounted price if you are attending!

Now for the bad news. Whilst I don’t see this as a bad thing – just a necessary thing for me right now, this news may disappoint some of you, for which I can only apologise. Basically I won’t be doing many (if any at all) shows either side of my launch party. After the launch party I will be taking a break from gigging for an indefinite period. It is likely I will still be doing festivals this year (I will definitely be doing Glastonbudget as I’m already confirmed for that), and any bigger shows that may come my way, but there will be no tours and no regular gigs.

The reason? To cut a long story short, I am fed up of feeling like I’m compromising myself by playing shows where the on stage sound is rubbish. It makes it very difficult to sing and play and really get lost in my playing so I can give the audience a great performance when the sound is bothering me. This coupled with ongoing health issues is making my job very difficult. I’m at the point now where in the last 6 months – maybe even the last year, I can count on one hand the gigs that I actually enjoyed playing.

Primarily the reason I make music and perform is because it makes me happy. Right now it isn’t any more, and it’s causing my anxiety issues to worsen and in turn making me feel very low. So I’m taking time out to work on some new songs, and just to find the fun in music again. I’m looking into getting an In Ear Monitoring system, which if you don’t know what that is it basically means bad on stage sound will be a non-issue (touch wood!) I’m trying to get my health back to normal too.

I know I won’t be able to keep 100% away from gigging as whenever I tell myself I need a break I always get restless, but I honestly need a break right now. I’m still really looking forward to my launch party at The Maze – the reason I have chosen that venue is because the sound on stage there is excellent and so I’ll be able to relax and have fun!

I wish I wasn’t in this position as I honestly feel like my new album is the best material I’ve ever written. I’m also really starting to get recognition as an artist now, and so for me to be doing less live performances feels like a step backward!

Anyway, I’ve rambled on enough! Just know that I’m determined to come back stronger and better, and all I ask is that you can stick with me and show your support with the new album.

Take care,
Marc.