SONG WRITING - TOP OF THE LIST In the last few days, I've been lucky enough to secure a co-writing session with multi award winning Christchurch (NZ) based musician, Phil Doublet. I have admired Phil's sound for a while now (not to mention the fact that the guy is a guitaring legend in NZ), so to be able to knock together ideas with him is wicked. As if that wasn't amazing enough, I get to travel back home via Timaru to co-write with the beautiful young songstress and Toyota Star Maker, Kaylee Bell. I'm hoping that all of these opportunities will fatten out my upcoming EP. Even if our tracks don't make it to a recording studio, I'm exciting to mash ideas with some absolute greats in the industry. NEW TO KELVINCUMMINGS.COM ... UPCOMING GIGS To try and keep people up to date on my upcoming gigs, I have included an "Upcoming Gigs" part to the front page of www.kelvincummings.com. All of these are directly "Kelvin Cummings" based performances (not cover bands performances), so these shows are a great opportunity for you to hear all the tracks which have helped make me know to country music lovers within New Zealand, as well as the new tracks getting dropped in all the time. LIKE A COWBOY
On Facebook, people saw my post ride selfie with this character "Rocky" this Easter Monday. This may not be a surprise to people who really know me, but I have hardly been on a horse. How very uncountry of me. Part of my issue has been that I'm unsure of the brakes and clutch, given that horses have a life of their own. This was definately the case with this dude here. "Rocky" was introduced to me as a very self-assured horse with a real fun lovin' bloke type horse. Just picture guys in coyote ugly in horse form ... you've got this dude. He had spunk. The most memorable moment of the trip would have to be when he found the deepest part of the river on our ride. Good on ya mate. I was expecting to get a bit wet, but water up to my chest was very unexpected. I look forward to my next ride. Cheers to Erin for the invite.
1 Comment
HOEDOWN
At the Silverpeaks Country Music Club's 2016 Hoedown at Wingatui Raceway, Mosgiel/Dunedin, people were invited to perform songs to wrap up the weekend. As well as a special guest spot on the Saturday afternoon, and an impromptu jam session on the Saturday night, I was fortunate to be ask to perform again on the Sunday. To mix things up, I chose to play an acoustically stripped back version of Hunter Hayes' "Somebody's Heartbreak". Big thanks to Bonnie-Lee Jessen for introducing the song to him, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year. Thank you to Silverpeaks for the invite to play as well. Thank you to all of the people involved in organising the weekend. Additionally, it was awesome to chat with heaps of you who have been following my country music over the last few months. Please share this song (and his "Kelvin Cummings Music" Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KelvinCummin...) with all your friends and family. Spread the joy. You know I like my children fries I don't make a habit of stopping off at Burger King in Dunedin, but I've been tempted to sample some of the Chicken Fries that they have on their menu. Great taste of crumbed chicken. I'm not sure it was worth the 20 minute wait for food, but I wouldn't say no to a chip if someone offered. Online show cancellation After a heavy gig season in NZ, accompanied by my long teaching hours, my body had decided to crash on itself. I therefore had to cancel my online show via the "StageIt" website to recover. I'm sorry to the people who signed up. You have all been reimbursed now. I'm drinking heaps of Hot Honey based drinks to get myself back in check. I'm sure with a couple of hours rest, I'll be healthy again shortly. Upcoming Hoedown With the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year coming up, I'm going to preview my set at the Silverpeaks Hoedown this Saturday 19th March from 3:30pm at Wingatui Racecourse, Mosgiel/Dunedin. I'd suggest you stick around for the rest of the weekend, as there is a long line of great entertainment. Starts Frday night through to Sunday night. Information at http://www.silverpeaks.org.nz/gigs.php Original Music
I'm continuing to write new music, and am looking forward to playing some of them to you. The next time for you all to hear a track will be at the opening set for Idol Frets at 7pm St Kilda Tavern, South Dunedin, on Saturday 26th March (Easter/Holy Saturday). Kelvin Cummings in February/March = Wedding Singer
After a long week of teaching, I motored off to Methven to play a wedding to a heap of Cantabrians. What a sensational night, with 90% of my tracks being country based. Perfect time to drop in all my Zac Brown, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, and heaps more. We've already signed up a couple of future weddings out of it. I hope they are just as epic. We followed this wedding with another in the Victorian region of Oamaru. It was another great night (my band Idol Frets makes a habit of that). My highlight this time wouldn't be the reception itself, but the hours between setup and performance, where Mike (the other frontman) and I chilled out with a couple of guitars (and beers) at a craft brewery garden area across the road. I tidied up an original track from Aussie that didn't get much air time, and jammed through some original tracks. Awesome. You think it'd be over there. We had an informal acoustic show at Ombrellos and a home address in the newly formed Mosgiel/Taieri area to celebrate a couple of close friend's successful wedding proposal. This therefore meant that the harmonies were rich as. I love weekends like this. Another country wedding to play on Wednesday in the Catlins. I know that this group are singing and dancing crazy. Wish us luck. For more information about my band Idol Frets, visit www.idolfrets.co.nz or via our "Idol Frets" Facebook page. Camp It’s been a flat out week, with not a lot of songwriting. Most of it because of my teaching responsibilities … taking a group of Year 7 students on a camp at Camp Iona, Herbert, New Zealand. Many early mornings, many late nights, and full on days with activities. I will admit that there was a number of times I went through guitar withdrawls, but I made my way through it. Thank you to all the students for not being too crazy, the parent helps for all your support, and the other staff members for your assistance throughout the week. I look forward to next year. Wedding Singer Once I got back from Year 7 camp (read above), I got in the truck, and shot up to Cromwell Central Otago for a wedding. I managed to reach the reception venue and accommodation an hour prior to playing, which was really useful (much of this thanks to the energy drinks I drank in transit). The lack of sleep did have an effect on my productivity, as I used the time to restring my guitar. The big issue … I put a full set of electric guitar strings on my acoustic guitar. For those people not in the know, I seriously suggest you don’t do this. Thankfully I had time to get this restrung and play on time. The wedding itself was an incredible night, with most if not all of the guests dancing and singing along with us throughout the night. It was also a very contemporary country group, which gave me the opportunity to flick a huge number of modern country titles by artists like Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown. Early the next day, we raced to set up at a venue 30 minutes from home in Dunedin. I punched in the details of the venue into my GPS, and was directed a shorted distance to travel. As we needed to set up early, I took the alternative route. The funny thing was that the road was a dirt track for 90% of my journey, which slowed me down heaps. Sensational views though. I’ll need to take my time with my next journey. After setting up (and a brief afternoon power nap), I made my way back to the reception … feeling a little worse for my efforts. Thankfully I had a voice, and focus to get myself through the gig. The guests were more of a concert type group (watching, singing along, and tapping feet type group), however they did hit the dance floor in force near the end of the night. Music classes With the start of the year well underway, I have music lessons starting for all my High School students this upcoming week. I’m pleased to have a strong orchestral tution staff, however it’s looking like I’m teaching all the additional contemporary instruments myself during my non-contact teaching times (which makes planning for classes and marking etc difficult). If anyone happens to know anyone who is in the East Otago region who can teach guitar, keyboards/piano, drums, bass, etc … please flick them my way. Online Streamed Concert this Sunday night
By popular demand, I am playing another live streamed online concert Sunday week at http://bit.do/kconline. Sign up 5 people to my concert, and I'll flick you a free guest pass (only 10 guest spots available). Free unreleased digital track for my top 5 supporters. You have nothing to lose. Roxburgh A&P and Cavalcade It’s not often I get the opportunity to sing my songs to a serious country crowd, but that’s what occurred when I hit the stage at the Roxburgh A&P show. This event is tied in with the Roxburgh Cavalcade, where a number of horses, carts, and riders travel to the regions from throughout the country. It was awesome to see a few familiar faces while I was playing. I felt it quite rewarding in the sense that the audience built up hugely when I sang, and many congratulated me on my show at the end. All of this was topped off with a “feel good moment” on my way back to Dunedin to play a wedding, as I pulled over to help a family of Asian drivers try to get their rental car fixed … and when this didn’t work (as I’m no mechanic), I worked as a translator between the daughter of the Asian family and the rental company. Music at school One of the things that makes songwriting a challenge to me is finding the hours to get creative while I’m teaching. For those of you who may not know, I am the Head Of Music at East Otago High School (a decile 5 High School in Palmerston Otago … 40-50mins North of Dunedin, New Zealand). This year I feel blessed with a form class who are really REALLY keen on music. This means that I will very likely be able to get creative. There may even be the possibility to have my students write and/or alongside me. What a rich and rewarding life I lead. Twilight Entertainment Party One of the music talent agencies I get work through had their managing director celebrate her birthday. As part of this, she hosts an annual music festival type event, which brings in large number from throughout the world. My band “Idol Frets” featured as one of the acts. She said (which was supported by others at this year’s party) that she wanted us to play longer, as she loves the entertainment value we put into our performances. It’s always rewarding to hear positive praise like that. Preparation for Norfolk Island
I’m in prep mode for Norfolk Island. I’ve selected my songs, sent my charts to the backing band, and have sorted the logistics that are required for a successful trip in Norfolk Island to complete as the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year. I’ll keep you all in the loop, however I want to issue a big thanks to Renny Hantler for his support in letting me know what’s required (in addition to his charting my previous songs). I look forward to performing in what I have been told is a beautiful area of the world. Thieves Alley solo show It was such a great day. Thousands of people shopping for random crafts and stuff, as well as watching a line of performers on 3 different stages throughout the day. Normally Princes St is one of the quieter stages, but I felt this year we put the other stages on their place. Although it wasn't without its challenges (as I broke a guitar string the 2nd song into my hour set, playing a string down for the remainder of my show), it was a great opportunity for Dunedin to set my big contemporary country sound. Thank goodness for backing tracks fattening out the sounds. Thank you to Rotary for the invite to play, The Hits radio station for MCing the stage, and Strawberry Sound for running the audio. Cavalcade in Roxburgh this weekend I look forward to seeing anyone involved in the Roxburgh Cavalcade this Saturday at 2pm. After the huge line of horses and carts cruise into town, I'll play from 2pm for a half hour version of my big sound set. I know you will all appreciate a song and dance with me after what would've been a huge trip. Back with Idol Frets I'm 3 weeks into gigs with my band Idol Frets, and loving the return. Often playing dance covers for musicians can be soul destroying, but I get a huge sense of reward from seeing all of these full dance floors. In the last few days, I've played a live streamed backstage concert, a pub gig, a festival, 4 weddings (including a Hungarian based wedding, a Australian based wedding, a Kiwi country based wedding, and a Gay wedding). It's exhausting, but so so so much fun. Songwriting
It's interesting coming into a new frame of mind with songwriting, as this wasn't one of my strengths before CMAA Academy this year. I'm loving every minute of it though. One thing it has done is get my guitar out a lot more. Each evening I've been jamming though ideas and tunes, often with Maree beside me on the couch. She's even picked up her guitar for a jam/sing from time to time, which is a big thing for her. Songwriting isn't only helping my music career develop, it's making my marriage stronger than ever. My first live NZ solo show for 2016 - Thieves Alley Festival Dunedin It’s exciting to be back in New Zealand, sharing my music with the world. The first live public opportunity is a solo show as part of the annual Thieves Alley Festival in Dunedin this Saturday (13th Feb). If you are keen to see what this award winning up-and-coming contemporary country singer/songwriter can do, come see me live in the Octagon from 2:15pm (on the Princes Street Stage). I’d love to see you all there. Goldfields Cavalcade 2016 Kelvin Cummings Show in Roxburgh. I’m privileged to say that I will be playing a half hour set of my original and contemporary country music at this years Goldfields Calvalcade in Roxburgh from 2pm on Saturday 20th February. This is the pinicle of what is an incredible annual event, which takes a full week for riders to complete (starting from as far a field as Outram, Waikaka, and Tarras … just to name a few). Thank you Gore Country Music Club for the invite to perform. I know you will be proud to what you hear. Kelvin's Interactive Backstage Show
Thank you to everyone how signed up to my debut online streamed concert last Thursday. It was awesome to play and sing for you in an intimate setting. Because of the success of this first show, I will be staging the first Thursday of each month. This means that the next show will be 9pm (NZL) 3rd March. Book your spot out of the limited spaces available at https://www.stageit.com/kelvin_cummings/chill_out_with_kelvin_and_his_new_country_music_sound/53305. Keep an eye on my facebook page for any updates before the show. See you all there (or whoever can book their seats first. Tamworth What can I say? The Tamworth experience was absolutely incredible. Everything from the two weeks straight after New Year’s Eve with my new lifetime friends at the CMAA Academy of Country Music through to playing a variety of shows during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It was all incredible. I mentioned it several times while I was there that I have never felt so at home outside of New Zealand as I was made to feel during my time in Tamworth. I look forward to see you all again in the years to come. Live Online Streamed Concert During the Academy, Amber Lawrence introduced us all to a great online concert site. It excited me so much that I decided to stage my own show, in which I will include some of the new songs that I wrote this year. This will be this Thursday at https://www.stageit.com/kelvin_cummings/kelvin_s_interactive_backstage_show/53060 (9pmNZL,7pm Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra, 6:30pm Adelaide, 6pm Brisbane, …). I’d love for you all to book a spot. All proceeds from this online gig will go towards my new EP. Award winner … again I was really fortunate to win the CCMA (Capital Country Music Association) National Talent Quest Male Vocalist of the Year award while in Tamworth. Thank you very much to all my support crew, and the CCMA people involved in staging this event. Trans-Tasman Entertainer Of The Year – Norfolk Island As I finished in Tamworth, I refocus on the next few months. This includes a trip to the Norfolk Island based Trans-Tasman Entertainer Of The Year in May. It is exciting to represent both my music as well as New Zealand on an international stage. Stay tuned into my blogs to hear about my preparations and progress. Weekly Blogs
Speaking of blogs, as I’m back into teaching at East Otago High School, gigging in the weekend, songwriting, plus more … my blogs will need to be a little bit more manageable. I’m still really keen to keep you updated with everything, so as a result, I will be going weekly with these blogs. This will be supported with a monthly newsletter. With my Facebook updates each date, the weekly blog, and monthly newsletter, you will be in the front seat there with me, as I target the Country Music scene both in New Zealand and Internationally. No sleep in today. We have a spot in the Cavalcade, which is a big truck parade though the main section of Tamworth. After a quick warm up in the cities very own muscle beach type outdoor gym, we jump up on the truck (smaller than most, however at least it was black). I spy some of my mates on the back of a flatbed truck for the Yamaha float. Just before we race away, I just casually have a chat to Luke O’Shea, who happens to be on the float behind us. Good guy.
Off we go, and then the skies open again, dropping what feels like Niagara Falls on our heads. As our truck is not covered in way shape or form, we get drenched head to toe as we pass all the residents and guests to the city. I honestly haven’t felt this wet while wearing clothes my entire life. Murphy’s law however, once we park up at the end of the drive (which felt like a long time in the rain), the sun comes out again. What’s up with you Tamworth? Why do you have to live your weather in such extremes. My last official gig at Pig & Tinder kicked off at 3pm. What a fantastic last show to finish off a great time here in Tamworth. There was hardly anyone sitting in the outside courtyard area when I started, and by the time I finished, the area was packed. People were singing along, clapping in time, and generally loving life. It was equally as awesome that people were genuinely upset to hear that I didn’t have an album or EP available for purchase. All the motivation I need to get songwriting, recording, and producing. Off to the red carpet of the Golden Guitar Awards we go. I’m all suited up (thank goodness I packed this with me), and we make our way to the most prestigious event on the Australian Country Music calendar. The last remaining academy students here in Tamworth all congregate in the same area with the free tickets we obtained. It was so good to be with these guys and dolls again one last time before Maree’s and my bed exit to the other side of the Tasman. In regards to the awards themselves, WOW!!! That was much bigger and way more grand than I could’ve possibly imagined. It rivalled Grammys, Emmys, and other big name awards night events. There were too many highlights to mention only one. Bennett, Bowtell, and Urquhart performed a well-polished tribute song, Catherine Britt took out Female Artist of the Year, and I got to see big performers strut their wears, plus much more. I would kill for an awards ceremony in NZ which would match up to this (I don’t even think our strongest awards are close). Only hours to go before we fly away. I’ll miss you dearly Tamworth. |
AuthorThis is an easy way to hear about everything Kelvin Cummings Archives
January 2017
Categories |