Dear friends,
Welcome to the second newsletter of 2024. We hope this finds you happy and healthy, and as chilled or as busy as you wish to be.
We have a very busy May ahead of us. Playing 17 shows across Ireland, England, Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
No complaints though. We are excited to be getting back out on a long run. The shows, and our performances, always flow better when we are playing night after night.
Plus, who doesn’t love a hotel breakfast?
First up is IRELAND which includes return visits to two of our favourite festivals, Belfast Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and the Kilkenny Roots Festival, and other shows in a number of small theatres, arts centres and stunning unique venues.
All dates listed below with ticket links at mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/shows
Ahead of the Irish tour we spoke to Declan Culliton & Stephen Rapid at Lonesome Highway about the past, present and future, and still being together after all these years.
After we get back from Ireland we make a quick stop in our own neighbourhood, to play the beautiful converted chapel that is Hermon Arts in Oswestry. Really looking forward to playing here. Friends in and around the Midlands and Mid Wales, come join us in church. Tickets here.
And then we head north, for a very welcome return to SCANDINAVIA. 5 shows in 3 countries. Friends in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, here is where you will find us:
Thur May 23
Oslo – Abelone Kjøkken & Bar
TICKETS
Fri May 24
Harestua – Kulturbruket Gamleskolen
TICKETS
Sat May 25
Halden – Kulturhuset *
TICKETS
Sun May 26
Copenhagen – Råhuset
TICKETS
Tue May 28
Malmo – Medley
TICKETS
*The show on the 25th is part of the Fjording festival in Halden. More details here.
JULY
We are also delighted to announce a summer tour of Scotland (and Newcastle) as we work our way to and from The Tartan Heart Festival in Belladrum. It’s going to be a beautiful scenic trip. Who knows, maybe the sun will even shine. All shows are on sale now and the ticket links are at the MDC web site.
NEW ALBUM
So, what’s the other news? Well, we are finally underway with some new music. We are delighted to announce that work has begun on the new album, provisionally titled “A Field Of Our Own”
The first round of recording is talking place here in Mid Wales at the beautifully located Adaband Studios in Mochdre. The same studio Michael made his solo album, The Struggle, with Clovis Phillips once again engineering and playing multiple instruments.
There are currently 10 songs at various stages of recording, and they are an eclectic mix. Torch songs, power pop 45’s, and pastoral, reflective pieces. What, no country (for old men & women)? Rest assured some country will come into it at some point. In fact it may well be showcased at the shows in May
NEW MUSIC ON BANDCAMP
We do have something available right now, which can be heard, and bought.
Over the next few weeks a number of ‘kitchen table recordings’ will be escaping via the Bandcamp page. Just two people having a good old sing of some of their favourite songs round the kitchen table. Very much warts and all and arguably all the better for it.
First one out the hat, this beautiful old Flying Burrito Brothers song, written by Chris Etheridge and Gram Parsons.
Feel free to pay what you wish for the track – all proceeds will go back in the pot to make the new album.
NEW COLLABORATION
Coming out on Friday September 13th is an album called Tremulant, being released on the Sub Exotic label. The artist is Ghostwriter and MWK is one of 3 guests vocalists, along with Andrew Rumsey and Suzy Mangion.
An experimental album, recreating and reinventing hymns and spirituals of the past 2 centuries. More to follow on this as we get closer to release date.
BACK IN STOCK
Meanwhile in the ‘currently available’ section we are pleased to announce we have a number of items back in stock, including copies only of both Country Darkness Vol 2 and 3 on vinyl. Very happy about this as we thought we’d run out and also so many of you have asked, especially at the the post-gig merch counter. We will have them on the road but you can order them now via the web site. All orders will come with the stunning card slip case to house ALL 3 VOLUMES.
Also available again on vinyl are our second and third albums, The Reconciliation and Still Testifying plus the very last 2-3 copies of our two Record Store Day 10 inch EP’s.
Also available in the on-line store, this retro-cool MDC bumper sticker is back in stock. You can buy them individually, or in multiples at reduced rate, or get one free with any order over £10.
OUR PLACE OR YOURS
We have received a number of enquires recently, asking if we would play a private concert, either as part of a celebration event, private party etc, or an intimate concert for you and invited guests.
This is something we have done on occasion and are always happy to discuss it, and what the circumstances are. In the first instance, just send a message via the ‘contact’ page on the website, or an email to info@mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk, or send a message over social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and we can get the ball rolling to try and make it happen.
DONATE
Thanks to those of you who have recently donated to our ongoing need for funds.
Although we are touring as much as possible, we are always in need of funding to support special projects and recordings, particularly since COVID-19.
As we start to make a new album, any and all donations towards the recording budget would be gratefully received. Thank you.
Donate Here!
OK, that is all for now. We look forward seeing you all soon at a show in the coming weeks. Any song requests, don’t be shy. Message us via social media or the contact page on the web site, or just shout them out from your seat. If we can remember them, we will play.
Yours in music,
Lou & Michael
