So, 2008 is all but over and I have to say, on the whole, it's been a good one.
The biggest event of the year for me is, of course, that Emma and I finally set a date to be married (11th September 2010), prompting calls of "about bloody time" from all and sundry, not least Emma herself.
I changed jobs this year too, leaving Tesco after 11 years (!) to start working for Scottish & Southern Energy and I have to say the change of scenery really re-energised me.
It's also been a year when a number of local musicians whose work I really respect and enjoy have moved from being people I enjoyed chatting to at gigs and become very valued friends, I'm speaking of course of Andy Foster (www.myspace.com/andrewfostermusic) and Lawrie Bridge (www.myspace.com/lozbridge), two of my favourite artists, not just in terms of local music, but two of the most played artists on my iPod this past year. I've also gained a good friend in the irrepressible Ash Wassell of Loose Tongue (www.myspace.com/loosetongue), a man with an infectious amount of enthusiasm for live music!
Staying on the subject of music, I've seen some cracking gigs in 2008, in larger venues I've been blown away by Nick Cave twice and impressed by Newton Faulkner at the Guildhall too. I've also been introduced to the likes of Yoav, Rosie and the Goldbug and Official Secrets Act by the ever brilliant Iain Martin at Stiff Promotions, a great promoter and another person I'm proud to call friend.
Of course when talking about live music we can't ignore the Portsmouth & Southsea Festival, I was very excited when Steve and Dan invited me to become involved with writing for the Festival and, like so many people, I was really upset when it was announced that the festival wouldn't be going ahead. I can only hope that next year they'll have another crack at it and the tickets will get snapped up.
This year I also started writing for www.subba-cultcha.com, and I'd like to thank Jeremy for the opportunities that have come my way through the site. I really have to thank Darren at Blues Matters too, I've driven him insane with my inability to send in a review on time this year and he's taken it all with consummate goodwill, so thank you mate!
Of course the more I immerse myself in music the more I move away from the theatre. I'm hoping to get back on stage for a show or two next year, which should be fun.
Lastly, I just have to thank all of you for reading my drivel, for sharing gigs both good and bad with me and most of all for being a friend.
Thanks for a great 2008 and here's to a superb 2009,
Matt
