Popside and Vortex present:
Show seven: January Songs (Part 1)
During January 2011 Darren Hayman, ex-Hefner, wrote a song for every day of the month. It was an incredibly frantic period of work. Each day not only included the writing of a song, but also its recording and the making of a video, and an online diary.
“Even in this age of downloads I can still get frustrated about how long it takes to release records,” says Hayman. “I wanted to make something instantly and, without anytime for editing or revision, release it and make it permanent.”
The project became eclectic through necessity. The songs range from glam disco stomps, through folky laments and acapella hymns to jazz backed spoken words.
“I knew some sort of theme would reveal itself gradually through the work,” continues Darren, “and that theme became one of release and escape. Lots of the songs are about imaginary or longed for havens.”
It can all be found archived here.
January Songs was also released as a hand drawn two CD set and can be found in our shop.
Apart from one or two tunes January Songs has only been performed once, back in January 2012 upon the release of the CD.
It should come as no surprise that the two January Occupation shows will consist of an exclusive performance of January songs.
There will be two show sevens, but each will feature a different set. For tonight’s show we’ll have songs from the first half of January Songs. With support from Rozi Plain of Lost Map Records.
Tomorrow night we’ll have songs from the second half of January Songs. With support from The Pictish Trail of Lost Map Records.
