Citadel – 2015

If you look towards that horizon. Beyond it lies the Citadel: The centre that is fortified, the core. Protection.

I’ve yet to decide whether this as yet unwritten but bubbling away at the gates, will be Bog Woppit alternative or New Age meditation music project.  Maybe a hybrid? The title was born yesterday and belongs within my walls. The inspiration for this new work?

Maybe its the smell of the new incense I’m burning today. Maybe its the arrival of this?

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Yes its a ART Multiverb Effects unit. I’m a big fan of Flange and Chorus! Even though my Boss Multi Effects is a bad boy in itself. I love an old piece of vintage kit. Plugging straight into a laptop and adding technology somehow doesn’t feel as realistic as plugging in a chunky piece that crackles. I am old school that is slowly embracing home studio advances. I used one of these in the 90’s with my music mentor Grimm. Its arrival has brought back many memories and his Ghost. Memories of the dark, good times, indulgent times. My musical output was massive as my day to day commitments were small then. The portal is once again sending stuff through. Be it sober this time.

So I’ve freed up more time and am focussing more. Without pissing my pants, 2015 is going to be a very exciting and active year. Subway Circus will be out there live  on the shits and gigging circuit very shortly. It took a while! But getting the right band members who play their parts and give inspired input to a very high standard is imperative in my book.

I’m going to do more solo live mic nights this year. As I just fancy a bit of it.

Its nice to have my drive and focus acknowledged by the least likely people. Thank YOU. So while a splash new paint and create more colourful canvases. Listen to all.

PS I’m not going to mention my eye lid crabs! Whatever next? !

Welcome to Claudsville ~ Claudine West Music

Welcome to Claudine West Music.

Official Site of the various works and catalogue of this talented multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter. Enjoy, share and be inspired.

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Read this! Into bliss.

The flat line of silence is unbecoming. Have you ever had a dream where you are performing an amazing song? The shadows watch from the sidelines. I still don’t wish to make amends with the past. Those shadows still watch in the waking world. I bang the drum, a different rhythm than I’m used to. The keyboard player was filming the birth of this baby during his performance. It was organ like and organic with an acoustic guitar. Others were present too, ghosts and vocals. But it’s all just a blur. Flowed on a different plane. Who that keyboard play is, was lost when I awoke. I cannot remember the rhythm. Maybe a soundtrack to a movie about finding yourself. The discovery and elation of travelling the right road. The subconscious is a magic maker. Tap into it and explore a whole new universe. The sign at my crossroads was a mirror on the wall. Oh the reflections…

I recall the old days of listening back to that days recording efforts. Stoned. Hearing new things, frequencies. Like a golden glow coated the track. Staying up all night analysing lyrics about want, obsession. The whisky and vodka relaxed inspired takes. Chain smoking Marlboro Reds. All night sessions are great when you are young. The body handles it better. Does sobriety bother me now?  Clear heads help one enjoy the mornings. The escape, the thrill is the music. Drugs and booze just numbed it eventually. Fun though. Nothing to prove, or ‘brag’ about. The dark times are but a memory. The recovery spanned a decade.

I’m sitting here with a cup of tea getting rather excited about our next session. Ive just been sent a bunch of new ideas. Basslines sent via dropbox. Then the guitar and drums and lyrics come. What came first? The chicken or the egg? There are no rules. There is the energy that channels through you. There is the true connection between musician and instrument. The vortex of creativity that sucks you inside, into bliss. When I look upon you from the stage. I read your eyes, your moves. I feel your energy. Then I get lost in the vibrations of sound. The adrenalin truly is the natural drug of choice. What does it for you?

The last jigsaw piece, A committed vocalist, will slot in pretty soon. I did manage to phone Dave our Bass player in my coat pocket yesterday. He text me asking what the underwater sounds answer machine message was? Womb and heartbeats! The second person of the day to get my pocket stalking.

I spent last year writing and recording meditation music, then a solo album. In between rehearsing and writing Subway Circus ditties. That will be unearthed. From new age, to folk/pop to rock music keep things nicely varied. Evolution and challenges for a musician. Is the popping candy of sweetness.

≈ Claudine