The Great Busking World-Record Challenge!

What is it?

I'm going to be attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the longest busk, aiming to busk continuously for at least 29 hours with my accordion. It'll be long. It'll be tiring... but it's all to raise money for the brilliant Comic Relief charity, so it'll be worth it.

When is it?

The event is currently scheduled to start at 2pm on the 28th of February and end at approximately 9pm on the 1st of March! The location is pending, but at the moment it is likely to be on the South bank by the river in a little square surrounded by trees.

Who is it?

Hello. I'm James. I've been busking on and off for the last few years and I'm in many lovely bands.

The challenge itself will involve me and my trusted pal, the Accordion, playing non-stop for a very, very long time. However, occasionally I will be swapping to percussion as many other equally-crazy bands join in for the musical mayhem that will follow from on-going sleep deprivation. One of which, my beloved 'Ze Trio!' have played at many brilliant places such as the Olympics, Trafalgar Square, on the Eurostar and at the O2! And shall me joining me at various impromptu moments across the two days.

The challenge has been organised in connection with a show by the lovely comedian Mark Watson, who is attempting to do a 25 hour show at the Pleasance Islington. During the show various brave souls will be attempting equally brilliant challenges and at various points during my attempt I will be linked up to the show so people can follow my progress. (Click the link below for his blog post)

Mark's Blog of the event: Blog

And follow this link for trio mischief: Ze Trio - Knights Of Cydonia (by Muse)


Help?


If you'd like to help out, that would be incredible! During the challenge I will need to be kept alive; in the form of food, water and general keeping-me-safe things. I also need help with staying in contact with the outside world via twitter, Facebook, phones, Skype and whatever other forms of media we can throw into the mix.

So if this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, please email me at:

exitproductionsuk@gmail.com

or via twitter at:

twitter.com/lobsterlinguini


More updates will follow in the next 2 weeks!

Wish me luck.

James

ANOTHER POST!? Yes. Another post.

Hello.

These are my housemates.

Enjoy.

A Poem.

Magic orange, lemon duck,
Dog filled cloudy mystic luck,
Hot air woman, massive leaf,
Roasty, toasty, yum red beef.

Donkey, turnip turtle dust,
Melon, canine fiddle lust,
Music makes the world go round,
Plagiaristic rabbit sound.

Hippo carving horse head sam,
Eating music shut up, ham.
Squirrel catapulting cat.
Wish I hadn't thought of that.

Hello.

I seem to have hit the proverbial brick wall. In life that is. I haven't actually hit a wall. That would probably hurt my hand.

A Haiku..

Autumn, need a drink.
Me, on the rocks with a twist.
I fell off a cliff.

A Night at the Theatre: Duckie's Lullaby at the Barbican.

What do 29 beds, translucent flying animals and a magician goose with a top hat have in common? ..probably one of the most bizarre and intriguing nights of the theatre you'll ever experience. Lullaby at the Barbican has opened it's bedroom doors for a month, inviting an unexpected audience to drift into a gentle slumber in their very own single, double or triple bed. As you arrive at the theatre, just as most shows are normally finishing, this is just getting started. Once at the check in desk you are greeted by a receptionist with a look that seems fresh out of an 'I love lucy' episode. After check in and some tasty hot chocolate (it really is very tasty) you are lead to the changing room to get into your PJs and slippers or in my case; T-shirt and board shorts. The oddly clad, slightly vulnerable audience are then invited into the pit to start a show that explores the dadaist with a symphony of silliness. However, once the absurdity has washed over you, it's clear to see that the show has been very cleverly thought out. From the story of a lonely man's growing imagination to the rotating, hypnotic Octopi.. the show creates an illusion that is very calming and instantly sparks off a chorus of yawns from the transfixed onlookers. By the time the show moved to it's fading lullaby, the majority of the audience were already deep in a silent slumber.

As we gather around a retro breakfast of eggs and soldiers, fresh from possibly one of the most incredible wake up calls I've ever experienced; the audience are buzzing from a night that is truly unique.. and with it being much cheaper than the best budget hotel and a comfortably affordable theatre ticket, this is an overnight experience that is not to be missed.

Lullaby by Duckie, playing in the Pit at the Barbican until the 24th of July 2011..

A Poem About Staying Awake for No Reason

Countless hours drop like morning dew

Through thought & time a day finds you,

Night meets its dawn, at dawn a yawn,

And sleep the whole day through.

A Puppet's Tale: Part 1

Once upon a time in a world far away,

Where day becomes night and night becomes day.

A puppet was lost, in the dead of the night.

It's family had fled, all far out of sight.

All cold and alone, it feared it may die,

As the storm clouds erupted in a vengeful sky.

But out of the fog, a badger came out,

The young hedgehog puppet, tried desperate to shout.

The badger was shocked, to find a child so alone,

All out in the woods, been left on his own,

He picked him up quick and carried him away,

For dangerous things may happen if he stayed.

Unknown to this child, the dark that had come,

The storm clouds had gathered and swallowed the sun.

This world that he knew, was not what it seems,

For it is a world we find in our dreams.

---

Ten years had past, the hedgehog had grown strong,

The badger was frail and something was wrong,

For the absence of light, ten years to the day

Had changed the world, in many different ways.

"Polo" Said the badger, "your tea's getting cold!"

"Come down from your room, three times you've been told!"

Polo, on his bed, all covered in sweat,

Having just finished wanking and covered in regret.

He towelled himself off and came down the stairs,

And hurried then stumbled, over the chairs.

"Sorry Mum" Said Polo, in a calming state,

He sips his tea. "Oh thanks, this is great"

But outside the den, the hour was late

A darkness was coming, that will change his fate.

"We need to talk" The badger's look was now stern.

Her final words, Polo will soon learn.

"You must leave this place, for a prophecy was told.

That a hedgehog family, once brave and bold.

Abandoned a child, for he holds a key.

To save our world, so we can be free."

"Free from what?" Polo said with shock,

But the Badger could not answer, the den began to rock

And suddenly the lights, all flickered and burst,

The darkness had come, the badger feared the worst.

"Quick, you must go, go to Edward the Owl,

And whatever you do, even if I howl,

You must keep on running and never look back"

And as she said her last word, she heard the door crack.

"I know you're in there" A dark voice was heard.

"Quick Polo, the tunnel, don't utter a word."

Polo said in fear, "Will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine, just go. Please do as I say"

So Polo hurried off, as fast as he could.

Off to Edward's house, deep in the wood.

But the badger knew, deep down inside,

She'll never see him again, she had no where to hide.

The door burst open, and fear filled the air

"Where is he, tell me now!!" She looked at it's stare.

"You'll not get the key." she proudly said.

And as darkness swept over, the badger was dead.

---

Now deep in the wood, two hours had past,

He saw Edwards house, he scurried up fast.

And as he got to the door, the owl hurried him in,

Fearful of the darkness and what was to begin.

"Quick, go to my study" The Owl's voice sounding strange,

"I'm afraid your life has started to change"

He closed the door and opened a book,

As Polo looked up, with a tired, confused look.

"Ten years to the day, a war had begun.

Between two worlds, that we had not won.

Scores had died, when badger found you lost.

But bringing you there was at a fatal cost.

As he locked the study, he poured a single malt.

"Don't worry my child, this isn't your fault.

It was always foretold, that the darkness would come,

Ten years to the day that you were found by your mum.

"So get some rest, you'll need the sleep,

Make sure you dream, and your slumber is deep,

For in the morning, you'll learn your fate,

I'm afraid my child, your destiny awaits."

---

And away from Edward's house, we continue the story,

A thousand miles from the wood, from dawn's early glory,

Beyond the horizon, way out to the west,

To a tall, tall tree with a perfectly built nest.

"Have you heard the news?" Tom said with a whisper,

The dawn frost has settled, the leaves had become crispier.

"The storm in the east, has started to spread

The darkness is moving, its about time to head.

Tom checked his wings and the clear sky weather,

And looked at the sun as he cleaned his flight feathers.

His wife looked concerned, but spread her wings.

The eagle's were moving, a new chapter begins.

---

A mini-poem about Lust

Throw away my heart and cast me to the ground,

Screaming out for mercy, but you can't hear a sound.

And the shadow in my mind spreads through me like a fire,

Burning every fear with emblems of desire.

Two Posts in a Day!? I'm spoilng you, whoever you are...

Hi again. Miss me?

I tried uploading this earlier, but thought before I slide back into one of my patented 'day-sleeps' I'd try again. It's a frog. In Barbados.

I took the photo whilst playing with my Dad's camera. It came out well.

Enjoy :)

Just a Quickie...

Hello. It's been a while...

I made a big blog to post, whilst in my brief monthly interlude of insomnia. However, blogland really didn't want me to post it, with countless errors propping up at every turn like 17th century Pirates in the trading waters of the Caribbean, somewhere near Tortuga.

So here's a little link that made me feel all warm and fuzzy. [warning: content may cause fuzziness]

Things You Thing - Pomplamoose w/ Ben Folds

I can't get to sleep, I think about the implications...

I'm just entering my fourth tri-weekly insomniac phase of this year. I'm currently lying in bed listening to Colin Hay. Overkill. Literally.

Occasionally, I will blog about artist's that I've discovered from my random surfing on the net (in between episodes of Scrubs and unnecessary cups of tea at 4am). Today's one is Pomplamoose

I discovered them about two years ago, they are a big hit on the Youtube circuit. They have a lot of character in their videos and do some great covers. Enjoy. [I was thinking of ending the blog entry by awkwardly using the song title, but I wouldn't stoop that low.] On an unrelated note: I need to go now, as I think I'm in need of some lovin'...

An Original; If you Think You Need Some Lovin'

A cover; Single Ladies (Put a Ring On it)

THE LIST:

1. Imogen Heap - Her music is incredible and a lot of the techniques she uses I emulate in performance. I recently did a masterclass using looped percussion and sonic invention, which put me on line for a 1st in my degree. She also plays the Hang drum, which I recently began learning.

2. Anyone in the Original Cast of Rent - Okay, this isn't a person. I first listened to Rent when I was in sixth form and fell in love with the songs. Everything about it has inspired me so far & I always listen to it when I'm feeling low. So meeting someone who made it happen would be an incredible experience.

3. Stephen Fry - Technically I've already met Stephen Fry on the Graham Norton Show at the end of last year (2009). But it was part of a feature and I wasn't specifically talking to him.

4. Chad Smith - Drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Loved them in my teens, I was in a Chili Peppers tribute band when I was 15/16. I have a few friends at ACM who have both met him and performed with him. Epic.

5. Judi Dench - I almost did Drama at University. I've always loved the films she's in and was lucky enough to see her in Noel Coward's Hayfever a few years ago. Incredible actress. She's also appearing in a production at the Rose Theatre in Kingston alongside a friend of mine, so theoretically I could pull this one off in the next month or so.

6. Mark Watson - It'd be a bit silly not putting him in the list, being the person who came up with the TYSIC. I have actually met him before at last year's Edinburgh show, both in a Bar and at his 24 hour show. (I won a date with Simon Amstell) I was also in one show of the Hotel when they needed extras. Are you well?

7. Tim Minchin/Jamie Cullum - I've included them as Jazz pianists. At some point in the next 5 years I'd love to play with one of them (preferably musically, sexually might be pushing it). Jamie's Jazz piano skills are spine tingly good. Tim's beat poems are also lyrically genius. This could be possible through number 6 or a possible future working at Edinburgh Fringe/Events Management

8. Pomplamoose - Pomplamoose are a youtube videosong band, that do covers and originals in their living room. They're fantastic to watch and I'd, ideally, love to work with them someday.

9. Karl Jenkins - Karl is a welsh composer that famously composed Adiemus as well as loads of other compositions that sound incredible. The piece 'Grey' leaves me speechless every time I listen to it.

10. Edward Monkton - An artist and cartoonist. His drawings always make me smile. The penguin of Death especially.

11. Terry Pratchett - The Amazing Maurice is one of the first books I ever read (out of my own free will). It would be an honor to meet someone of his talent and wisdom.

12. Beth Ditto - Yes you read that right. I love her voice and her energy on stage. I think she'd be very interesting to meet.

13. Spike Jonze - Director of epic films such as Where the Wild Things Are and Being John Malkovich. He also directed the Fatboy Slim's 'Praise You' music video. Just shaking his hand would be an inspiration... I'd love to have a cup of tea with him. ((This one is worth 500 points))

14. One of the Muppets or one the Muppet puppeteers/voices. - Again not so much a person, as a fictional character. But my childhood was the Muppets. They spark so much joy and happiness in the entertainment industry. ((This one is worth 1,000 points))

BONUS PERSON 15. Banksy - Yes I chose probably the hardest person to find since someone lost his needle in a haystack and then forgot who he was and what he lost. But I have 10 years to try. ((This one is worth 10,000 points))

My TYSIC

I recently got a mention in Mark Watson's blogs about my idea for a Ten Year Self Improvement Challenge (TYSIC). My plan is simple:

"I would like to meet ten people who have inspired me most in my life so far. To make it more doable (Challenge like) I’ll set up a points system e.g. 5 points if I meet them briefly, 10 if I have a conversation with them, and 20 if I spend more than fifteen minutes talking to them. I need to work on the actual list of people, but there are a few people I know I could probably learn a lot from talking to. The point thing is also good if I were to die in the middle of the challenge…"

So the overall plan is to have ten people, celebrities or influential people, to focus on over the next 10 years. I will also use the above point system for non-listed people who I feel can inspire me or would be great to meet. For every listed person I meet, I will gain 50 points for meeting them and 100 if I have a conversation with them.

That was last week; now I thought I'd post the list so I can try and actively keep this going. But firstly, I've been reading a lot of the comments that people have put on his blog. Some naturally are just fans looking for some form of attention, using it to advertise their twitter pages and the like. Others going down the standard life challenges like finding a partner or getting more exercise. However, a few are brilliant and really bring the idea to life; These are my favorites:

Rachael: "I also want to own three goats. I plan to name them Tilly, Tom and Tiny."

Simon: "Run the entire length of the central line; Grow some facial hair."

And my personal favorite, Jackie: "My goal is not to lose weight, eat less and exercise more. It is to except me as I am." Brilliant.

Best. Breakfast. Ever.

Another 6am Epiphany

I'm starting to realise why the 'Hakuna Matata' philosophy doesn't work. You can't put the past behind you, everything you do is defined by it. Life is, much like this blog post, short. Though I think it needs some getting used to.

In between the snow, the rain and the cold, a lovely day was squeezed in. So I took my paraffin and played with fire. Photography by Chris Hudson.

A poem

The wind howls through window glaze,

The City lights; a distant gaze,

And as the people drift to sleep,

I sit on my bed, I blog and tweet...

Thought Overload

It has now gone 6am. Perhaps I am destined to sleep days?

Although, 'perhaps' is a rhetorical ornament and is therefore invalid. Perhaps my life is rhetorical?

...

YES!! It worked! I yawned at my self-confusion... I shall close the lid on my thoughts for another day and walk through the door of imagination into dreamland...

Bye for now x

Another thought

Every so often, I like to let my mind wonder.

I say every so often.

Everyday I let my mind wonder.

There... that's better.