Music and Poetry
I create original music and poetry, both for performances at events or for specific projects.
I tend to write on environmental or natural history topics but will happily turn my pen to any subject on request.
The music I create falls into two categories: instrumental backing for videos and light-hearted/ comedy songs written on demand. I am currently working on a podcast for young people, full of colorful animal characters and fun tunes.
poetry
THE DROP
LANDED
Borne of frustration - a contemplation on the state of some of the fields and rivers near where I live in Abergavenny and the collective failure that has lead to it. Not meant to be bashing farmers - intended to be sympathetic to the bind many find themselves in.
There is a second more hopeful part, acknowledging the role that farmers are playing in regenerating and healing the land. Watch this space.
Sometimes however, we need to vent…
Stilted Grace
Part of a series of poems celebrating the specimens in the Main Hall of the Natural History Museum. These giraffes represent the value of comparative anatomy and are elegant additions to the hall, but I can't help but close my eyes and imagine them in the savannah instead, foraging on Acacia. Over a hundred years ago, the Giraffe Skeleton was displayed in a similar setup, in 1892. Let's hope in another 100 years, Museums won't be the only places left to see them.
The Imilac
Part of a series of poems inspired by specimens in the main hall of the Natural History Museum, London. The Imilac. is a stunning pallasite meteorite, peppered with dazzling olivine. It dates back to the beginning of our solar system.
Do Something
Written in response to a tired friend who had lost hope in the power of individual action to combat the climate emergency. At the time, I offered few practical suggestions. Later though, on reflection and after a little research, I quickly wrote the following poem.
Ladies in Formation
A poem written directly from signs seen at the Women’s March 2017. Read by Charlie Hayes.
Instrumental backing tracks
I have written and recorded several pieces of original music for use in short films and documentary. Below is a sample of some examples, as well as some of the films they have been used in.
As a taster, here is a recent slice of toe-tapping Spanish guitar, just waiting for a project to be used in.
Light-hearted / comedy Songs
I mainly write for live shows and performance, but I also produce records on request and will be posting more examples soon.
Stuck in Aberdare
A Dylanesque blues rocker (if Dylan worked in an office!)
“Do Better” Food Waste Rap
A song and video created for FoodUnfolded’s campaign against food waste and unsustainable food systems. Graphics by Paulina Cerna Fraga
The Spanish Blue Bell Rumba
A song I wrote to perform at Kew Gardens for the science festival. It's more important than ever to pay attention to invasive plants, but that doesn't mean you can't shake your botanical booty along the way.
We’re the Plankton
A song that made up part of a family show, one of Galapagos Finch’s adventures, Blue Planet Poo. Soon to be part of a Galapagos Finch podcast (see theme tune below).
Galapagos Finch podcast theme tune
Galapagos Finch is an alter-ego of mine and the central character in musical shows for families. There have been three Galapagos Finch shows at Greenman festival, and there is soon to be a podcast (theme song below).