So someone spammed my blog in a comment to an old post, but it was a good thing because it made me look at an old poem. I've edited again (take #3) and here it is. With this version I've tried to cull some of the wordiness (originally I was trying to be to clever) and make it clearer and more concise. Hopefully giving it more impact. If you're interested there are two earlier versions, click on the links below. 1st attempt 2nd attempt The latest attempt: The Fish The fish j [read more]

So I've decided that I need to perform before the year has finished. Having recently completed a folio as part of an application to do an honours year at Melbourne Uni in composition, I thought it would be awesome to hear some of the pieces live. I've also had this idea to perform it in the local bookstore, Red Wheelbarrow Books on Lygon st. (Based on the poem perhaps?) It will be an intimate evening with wine and friends in a beautiful acoustic environment of wall to wall books, includin [read more]

So at the gig the other night I had a friend of mine record some of the tracks. Mostly because I hadn't had a chance to listen to the newly composed prelude. Just wanted to share it. This piece will be part of a larger work: http://ashleighsoutham.bandcamp.com/track/prelude-1 Hope you enjoy Ash [read more]

So, I just had this idea. I'm going to post the warts and all experience of recording my latest album. There are a lot of myths and questions about recording an album and the music industry in general. I'd like to shed some light about my experience of it to the people I know and any others that stumble on my blog. I'm going to write about my experience as a truely independant artist (no label, not even a small one, I'm my own label). Where possible I want to include every detail, particularly, [read more]

Jonny Cash - American IV The man comes aroundJoan as Policewoman - Real LifeThe Mars Volta - Deloused in the comatoriumColdplay - A Rush of Blood to the HeadRyan Adams - GoldThe Grand Central BandMiles Davis - Kind of BlueThe Doors - Morrison Hotel & LA WomanMuse - Origins of symmetryJohn Lennon - WonsaponatimeRufus Wainright - Want twoNow the coffees ready.....back to it!! [read more]

So I've recently been reading Anne Carson's book of poetry and prose 'Plain Water' and I think she's amazing......so I wanted to post a poem of hers"On Youth at Night"the youth at night would have himself drawnaround the scream. It lay in the middle of thecity gazing back at him with its heat androse pool of flesh. Terrific lava shoneon his soul. He would ride and stareI definately reccommend her....with some practice I hope to be as original...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Carson [read more]

So its a new year....whoa!Trying to organise the recording and composing of my 2nd album...actually make that 'composing' first, then 'recording'. Dates are set loosely for the 25th of June. This time I wanna do things slightly different. The 1st album was done to a click track, and then we tracked everything to that - basically what that means is the drummer plays first, on his own, with the tempo being played in his ear. He has to remember the song and the changes. Then the bass comes along an [read more]

what a great poem.....its by William Enerst Henley....just wanted to share itINVICTUSOut of the night that covers meBlack as the pit from pole to poleI thank whatever gods may befor my unconquerable soulIn the fell clutch of circumtancesI have not winced nor cried out loudUnder the bludgenings of chanceMy head is bloody, but unbowedBeyond this place of wrath and tearsLooms but the horror of the shadeAnd yet the menace of the yearsFinds and shall find me unafraidIt matters not how strait the gate [read more]

Just though I would put up a quick post with some links to the type of tunes I'm listening to and being inspired by.First off, I've been getting right into Soul music lately. Started out with Sam Cooke but I'm finding loads of great artists. There are some great ones on 'Hi records' and 'Stax records' as well. (Keep an eye out for the middle 'Miracle' he fluffs his dance steps, perhaps he should come to Ministry)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwkZrj2VT4&feature=relatedNext up is the silk ro [read more]

So a friend of mine, a very talented bass player, is studying music in Sydney. She recently had an assignment where she had to interview a music industry person and I was very flattered that she thought of me. I thought I'd post a copy of the interview.Interview Questions – Ashleigh Southam1.) How did you become involved in music?My first memories of music are being fascinated by my fathers LP collection. The people on the covers and the song titles and then what was inside. I was drawn to the [read more]