2017 has proven to be a challenging year for me so far with personal circumstances and commitments taking centre stage. Consequently, band activities have been thin on the ground. After a recent episode of ill health which rendered me immobile, I had chance to reflect, take stock and think about what I’d like to pursue and where I need to concentrate my energies. I came to the decision that being a full time member of two bands was no longer working for me.

Even when there is lack of activity, being mentally committed to too much full time can be draining and the pressures we impose on ourselves in wanting and planning to improve things take their toll. For 5 years I have been in two bands at any given time which have nominally had weekly rehearsal schedules and I guess in that time it has slowly evolved from wanting to explore different sounds to doing it for the sake of it and I have found myself a little burned out.

It’s no reflection on anybody, I have really enjoyed what we have done with Man Down but being honest with myself, it wasn’t ultimately what I wanted to do musically. This was exacerbated by the fact that I was open to ideas so kept trying to make it fit but it was somehow not quite gelling and it was difficult to focus. That said, I am very proud of what we achieved with the Christmas single and some of the original songs we wrote sounded great. It’s just a shame they were never properly committed to tape. Mikey and Lyndon are talented guys and it’s been fantastic to work with them. I wish them both the very best in their continued endeavours.

The drummers we played with – Warren, Rick and Kallum are also top players and it’s been great to have the opportunity to play with each of them.

It has been a fun journey if frustrating at times and I have been glad of the experience.

For the foreseeable future, there are a few things I’d like to do but I intend on primarily concentrating my efforts on Dawn of Elysium and perhaps tinker with some casual studio based projects. With my recent moving house, I have a much improved home studio setup and I’m keen to use it more.

Whatever happens, I need to mentally regroup before I make any more plans. I think it is important to try and keep a clear head-space and not spread myself too thin.