2023-09-30

Police Woman

PlasticSole

I vividly recall an episode of Juliet Bravo where a courageous woman, held captive, ingeniously manipulated her captor. Posing as if she were arranging a casual afternoon tea with a friend, she discreetly dialed the police station and connected with our hero. Unaware of the call's urgency, our hero was taken aback. The captive insisted they modify their rendezvous plans, leaving them bewildered. In parting, the woman cryptically remarked, "And don't forget your hat, it suits you so well" Eventually, our hero deciphered the message: her police hat was her only 'tea-time' headwear. She raced to the rescue with unwavering determination.



"Police Woman" by PlasticSole is a lively indie rock pop anthem that playfully salutes the empowered figure of a female police officer. With its infectious energy and catchy tunes, it's an instant crowd-pleaser. The song's inspiration harks back to our fond memories of the TV show "Juliet Bravo". Much like "Lovely Rita" by The Beatles and "Step Into My Office, Baby" by Belle and Sebastian, the lyrics adopt a tongue-in-cheek style to honor this strong archetype while adding a touch of whimsy. It captures the essence of challenging societal norms and defying expectations with a sense of pride and confidence.


2023-09-28 - Mk Sports Bar & Lounge - The Aftermath

PlasticSole

What a night at MK Sports Bar & Lounge! 

Our setlist was on fire thanks to all of the lovely people who came out to support us. 

A massive shoutout to The Jettisons and The Shadow Cabinet for their killer performances. 

A heartfelt thanks to all my friends and family who made the evening extra special. Your energy and love fuel our music.
2023-09-28 MK Sports Bar & Lounge bee0eb85-197f-44a2-a1b7-66e2f61b5b94 She's On My Mind All That You Wanna Be
@redwolfrecords We had a great time last night at MK Sports Bar and Lounge, supporting PlasticSole. Check them out on Spotify - https://spotify.link/ZFkNf4QQvDb πŸ”΄πŸΊπŸŽ§ #redwolfrecords #music #livemusic #mksportsbarandlounge #plasticsole ♬ original sound - Red Wolf Records
English Teacher Dreadlock Holiday Cure For The Common Cold Eat Less, Move More

2023-09-26

PlasticSole on the Something Else Podcast, again, again!

PlasticSole

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for featuring PlasticSole on the Something Else Podcast once again.

Their unwavering support for unsigned artists like us means the world. It's truly an honor to be part of a platform that celebrates independent music with such passion and dedication. Their efforts in curating a space for artists to be heard and appreciated don't go unnoticed.

Being able to share our music with a wider audience through your podcast has been a wonderful experience for us. Your enthusiasm and genuine love for music shine through in every episode, and it's truly inspiring.

I thank them for their kindness, their time, and their invaluable contribution to the music community. We're looking forward to continuing this journey alongside amazing people like them.

We've got some fantastic news to share with you all! PlasticSole has once again had the honor of being featured on the prestigious Something Else Podcast! This platform is known for its unwavering support for unsigned bands, and we couldn't be more grateful for the recognition.

This opportunity allows us to showcase our latest track, The Black Beans of Monaco, alongside a lineup of incredibly talented artists. It's always an exciting moment for us to connect with music enthusiasts who share our passion for original, independent music.

We extend a massive thanks to the Something Else Podcast team for their dedication to promoting unsigned talent. Their platform is a beacon for artists like us, providing an invaluable space for our music to be heard.

If you haven't already, be sure to tune in and catch our latest tracks. And while you're there, don't miss out on the other amazing artists featured on the podcast!

Here's to the power of independent music and the incredible platforms that support it!

Something Else Podcast

2023-09-22

2023-09-29 - MK Sports Bar & Lounge

PlasticSole


Adobe AI image generator created this abstract style image. As with all AI image generators, so far, a fair amount of manual editing in Photoshop needed to be undertaken. Again lesson were learned, if only my post covid brain could remember them. Hopefully there will be no such problem on Friday with the songs. Hope to see many of you there. We’re on at 9pm.

🎸 1 Week To Go! Join Us at The MK Sports Bar & Lounge πŸ₯

Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music! In just 7 days, we'll be hitting the stage at the MK Sports Bar & Lounge. It's going to be a gig to remember!

🎀 Lineup:

Opening Act: The Jettisons  πŸš€

Middle Act: PlasticSole  πŸŽΆ

Closing Act: The Shadow Cabinet  πŸŒ‘


A huge shoutout to the incredible team at Box Monster Promotions  for making this happen!

πŸ“† Date: Friday, September 29th

πŸ•– Time: 19:00

πŸ“ Venue: The MK Sports Bar & Lounge

πŸ’· Entry: Free / U18s welcome

Don't miss this night of incredible music and good vibes. Tag your friends and let's make this a memorable Friday night!



2023-09-16

A Rainy September Stroll: Capturing the Beauty of Durham

As the crisp September air began to embrace the ancient city of Durham, I found myself embarking on a solitary adventure. While my son and wife were engrossed in the excitement of a University open day, I seized the opportunity to explore the historic streets, camera in hand.  The persistent drizzle did little to dampen my spirits, as I set out to capture the ethereal beauty of Durham, focusing primarily on its magnificent Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral: A Timeless Majesty

The heart of Durham, both geographically and spiritually, is undoubtedly its awe-inspiring Cathedral.  Through the lens of my camera, I sought to encapsulate its grandeur from various angles and vantage points.  From the banks of the River Wear to the charming nooks and crannies of the city's streets, each click was a tribute to the centuries of history that stood before me.

Majestic in Every Frame

The rain-slicked stones of the Cathedral's exterior seemed to shimmer, accentuating the intricate details of its Gothic architecture.  The centuries-old edifice seemed to defy time itself, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who built it.  As I meandered through the cloisters, the play of light and shadow revealed a cathedral that seemed to breathe with life.

Streets that Whisper History

While the Cathedral stood tall and proud, the streets surrounding it whispered tales of centuries gone by. Cobbled pathways, lined with quaint shops and charming residences, created a tapestry of urban history.  Each corner turned, every hidden alley discovered, painted a vivid picture of Durham's vibrant past.

Weathered Elegance

The persistent drizzle lent an air of melancholy to the city, casting a subtle veil over the streets. It was as if the weather itself paid homage to the resilience of Durham, a place where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Conclusion

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that Durham had bestowed upon me.  Through the lens of my camera, I had captured a glimpse of a city that held within its stones the echoes of centuries. The rain, far from being a hindrance, had bestowed a unique character upon my photographs, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of this enchanting place.

Durham, with its Cathedral and streets, had revealed itself in all its rainy splendor. It was a day well spent, a walk well remembered, and a city forever etched in my memory.

Flickr Album

2023-09-16 Durham

2023-09-15

A Glimpse into Academic Grandeur: Exploring Cambridge University

Stepping into the hallowed halls of Cambridge University is akin to entering a realm where history and intellect intertwine. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a University Open Day, where I was granted access to the venerable Kings College and the welcoming embrace of Lucy Cavendish College. Through the lens of my camera, I endeavored to capture the essence of these institutions, from the regal grandeur of Kings to the intimate charm of Lucy Cavendish.

Kings College: A Tapestry of Elegance

With its spires piercing the sky, Kings College stands as a testament to the architectural marvels of ages past. The intricate detailing of its faΓ§ade and the tranquil beauty of its courtyard served as the perfect prelude to what lay within.

Regal Resplendence

As I entered the hallowed halls of Kings, I was immediately struck by the opulence that surrounded me. The grandeur of the dining room, with its soaring ceilings and ornate chandeliers, was a sight to behold. It was a place where centuries of scholars had gathered, their intellectual pursuits echoing in the very air.

The Library: A Sanctuary of Knowledge

In the heart of Kings College, the library stood as a sanctuary of wisdom. Rows upon rows of books, their spines worn with age, whispered tales of knowledge accumulated through the ages. The hushed reverence that filled the room was a testament to the enduring legacy of learning.

Accommodations Fit for Scholars

The rooms of Kings College exuded a timeless elegance, blending modern comfort with the echoes of centuries gone by. Each space seemed to beckon with a promise of quiet contemplation, a haven for academic pursuits.

Lucy Cavendish College: A Haven of Warmth

In contrast to the regality of Kings, Lucy Cavendish College welcomed me with an air of familiarity and warmth. The intimacy of its spaces, the cozy dining room, and the inviting accommodations, spoke of a community united by a shared pursuit of knowledge.

A Dining Room of Camaraderie

The dining room at Lucy Cavendish exuded a sense of camaraderie, where conversations flowed freely and friendships were forged over shared meals. It was a space that embodied the inclusive spirit of the college, a place where minds came together.

Cozy Corners of Comfort

The accommodations at Lucy Cavendish were a blend of comfort and functionality. Each room, though modest in size, exuded a sense of belonging. It was a place where ideas could be nurtured, and dreams could take root.

Library: Where Dreams Take Flight

The library at Lucy Cavendish, though more intimate in scale, was no less rich in resources. It was a space where the aspirations of scholars found wings, where the pursuit of knowledge was encouraged and celebrated.

Conclusion

My visit to Cambridge University was an experience that transcended the visual. It was an immersion into a world where the pursuit of knowledge is revered, where history lives and breathes within the walls. Through my photographs, I hope to share a glimpse of this extraordinary journey, an ode to the academic grandeur of Cambridge.

Flickr Album

2023-09-15 Cambridge

2023-09-12

Sympathy for the Devil - Live at the Craufurd Arms

PlasticSole

It's hard to believe that this was just 18 months ago!  COVID, lockdowns, and international travel bans conspired to attempt to scupper it, however, we managed to pretty much pull it off in the face of all the adversity.

We get to do it all again in 3 weeks time MK Sports Bar & Lounge, and I hope to see you all again there. https://fb.me/e/5du40i3mx

Many thanks to my literal and spitritual brothers, Simon, Simon John, James Blackman, and Dan Tiplady for sharing the stage with me, Scott Kelsey for editing and mixing the video and audio, and, Jason Hall for capturing the evening, I am so grateful to have a record of the night.


Relive our performance of The Rolling Stones classic, "Sympathy For The Devil" recorded live at The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes in February 2022! 🀘

If this gets you pumped, mark your calendars! We're gearing up for an epic night at the MK Sports Bar & Lounge on Friday, September 29th. πŸ₯πŸŽ€

Psst... You can find a full recording of this performance and more on our live album, "Live at the Craufurd Arms"! 🎡πŸ”₯