Wednesday 25 August 2010

My Press Release for the new single

I wrote this press release in the spirit of Morgan Freeman's character in The Shawshank Redemption - you know, where he's up for parole for the umpteenth time....

Press Release:

Tom McRae, new single “Still Love You” (Cooking Vinyl) October < insert date >


“Still Love You” is the second single taken from Tom McRae’s critically acclaimed fifth album “Alphabet of Hurricanes” on Cooking Vinyl.

The Guardian gave the album four stars saying this: “ The Alphabet of Hurricanes reinforces his status as one of Britain's better songwriters.”

The poet Simon Armitage, said of Tom: “Tom McRae is a smart guy…I’m talking about the records he makes, and their unapologetic intelligence in a world where popular music has pawned its soul to the television schedules and the light entertainment industry.”

Mercury and Brit nominated McRae has gained a fantastic reputation for powerful live shows, especially following his recent sold out tour of Europe.

…Wait, I can’t be bothered to keep up the pretence. I’ve been asked to write this press release ‘cause times are hard in the business right now and we’re all trying to help out. So here I am, trying to find things to say about myself that are in anyway interesting. Now I know how you must feel. There really isn’t much is there? I wish there was, my life would be easier. But I write songs, I record them, then I tour them.

When I do release records, most people say they like them, but not enough to write about them or play them on radio. And to be honest, I don’t expect that to change. Not because I don’t think I’m any good, it’s just like I said, there’s nothing interesting to say about me.

Not wishing to be rude, but rather than me cobbling together some guff about my unique blend of bla bla high voice and bla bla melancholic bla bla... there's always Google. You can find most things about me there. Good and bad.

Don’t get me wrong, my life is great. I’ve had a pretty lucky ten years. My fans keep coming, I play good venues in great cities all round the world. I feel I get better at what I do each year, and my life is very rewarding. And that doesn’t make for a very special story does it? Although it does make for a very special life.

That kid's long gone and this old man is all that's left. I gotta live with that. Rehabilitated? It's just a bullshit word. So go ahead and stamp your forms, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth, I don't give a shit.

(I didn't include this bit... but I wanted to. I really wanted to.)

All the best,
Tom McRae

To support the release of the new single I’m doing a short tour of some European Cities.

October 11th Brussels AB
October 12th Paris La Cigale
October 14th London Shepherds Bush Empire
October 15th Newcastle Sage
October 16th Glasgow Oran Mor
October 17th Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
October 21st Bergen, Norway
October 22nd Haugesund, Norway
October 23rd Olso, Norway

PS I'll get round to properly compiling some thoughts, but I'm trying to write a book about my life in the music business, as well as work on the album and organise October's tour, and I'm a terrible multi-tasker.

16 comments:

  1. It is a shame that no matter how good your songs are they are never deemed "radio friendly", whatever that means.
    P.S I shall be at the glasgow show. is this a solo tour or are you bringing the band this time?

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  2. In the same way that you've been striving for airplay and widespread recognition, I've been striving to be the one who helps you achieve it all. Problem is, Tom, you *have* a talent for what you do, whereas I... well, not so much.

    I've given up not just one but two, yes TWO sets of tickets to see you because of stupid pregnancy-related illness. I had my second son three weeks ago, Shepherds Bush Empire happens to be my fave venue ever AND it's my birthday one week after that date. Dagnammit - can I bring a breastfeeding baby??

    My time will come. Soon.

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  3. you're just inhibited of the idea to leave a white page; so as many poets you give us food for our heart and souls ... people should be sensitive to appreciate it ! Hope to see you in Brussels.

    Jessica

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  4. Pity you couldn't channel Morgan Freeman from his Bruce Almighty character of God and he could just point his finger and make you Top of the Pops! (*realises that the TOTP reference shows my age*)

    ...on a clothing note, you could try the white suit look?...although that could be expensive on Vanish stain sticks.

    Chrissie x

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  5. Nick De Baerdemaeker26 August 2010 at 07:04

    Does it get a physical release too ?
    We'll do our best getting it in the hit list over here...

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  6. Looking forward to the single...

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  7. I do think it makes a very special story, and you are a magician on that stage.

    And, yes, the book! I've heard or read you talking about it, long time ago, I really hoped it was going to happen, and here it is!

    Thanks Tom,
    we've missed you here.

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  8. Bloody Haugesund?! What's that all about? How come you don't come to Trondheim anymore? Your last visit was back in 2005?

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  9. I love the Shawshank Redemption, it´s a great movie, it has everything, it´s sad and funny and exciting and tragic (and a good ending!)My favourite moment is where Tim Robbins asks that sadistic prison warden how much he trusts his wife! Anyway, still no concerts in Sweden, but 3 in Norway? What do they have that we don´t? And where is Olso? Actually it doesn´t matter right now, because we have recently moved to Germany (a temporary arrangement). Any planned tour dates for Germany? Lighten up, things are never as bad as they seem, unless they are worse. Best regards Nicola

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  10. Whereabouts in Germany? I'm planning some solo shows for next year? Also, Olso is in Norway, it's twin town with Oslo. They are the Olso twins.

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  11. If we can make requests for shows I would really like for you to come to Utrecht (the Netherlands) again. Will take all my friends to come see you. :)

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  12. Dammit you're playing london the day before i get there. And then coming oop north when i'm down there. Are you trying to thwart me?

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  13. You do get played on the radio! Granted, it's crappy Flemish radio stations that nobody outside Flanders listens to and so it's not like it's massive airplay, but hey: you get played!

    Also: AB! HAPPINESS!

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  14. But I....I still love you!
    Yeah I...I still love you!

    Love this song....I wish more brazilians knew you...I'm a luck person for that

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  15. I'm tired of the day, but I have to continue until I graduate. Or until I get fired, I'll go. Because it is comfortable.


    สูตรบาคาร่า

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