If you’ve landed here, thank you for being curious

This page is a window into a new recording project I’m beginning with producer James Sanger and into a wider, slower journey around songwriting, listening, and community.

Some people will come to this project through my mailing list, some through the crowdfunder and maybe other ways – good to see you.

James has worked for decades in the music industry (with artists including Sinead OConnor, U2, Keane, Dido, The Cardigans, English Teacher, Faithless and many others), and believes deeply in growing things slowly, with care.

He heard my track Grenfell on BBC Introducing and got in touch.

Over the coming year, James and I will be developing a small body of songs, choosing a handful, shaping them carefully, and recording them with friends and collaborators.

This project will be funded through a combination the crowdfunder, some personal funds and through James – costs for a project like this is something I’ll get into in the blog/podcast reward on the crowdfunder and through some social posts – though broadly the costs are: running the studio, travel, expenses around the recording sessions, prep time and the essentials – tea, guitar strings that kind of thing! Everything financial will be recorded here

At its heart, it’s a community-supported EP, music rooted in connection, learning, and care, made for these times – this is the vision. My interest in writing about the current issues will be central to the project with new songs about indigenous land return, immigration, colonialism, whiteness; all rooted in reflection, hope and my faith in love.

My songs have always grown out of community — whether through music, activism, spiritual practice, or friendship. Some of you may know my work through:

the Plum Village / Thich Nhat Hạnh tradition, Quakers and peace work, social justice/peace type campaigns, BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, gigs and festivals or past records, or simply from shared rooms, songs, and conversations.

This community then is a broad church. We’ll all be wonderfully different…and… we’re bonded by a belief in love, dignity, listening, and humanity, especially in hard times – that’s my feeling.

You don’t need to donate to be part of this journey.

Along the way, I’ll be sharing demos and works-in-progress for feedback, hosting occasional listening sessions, reflecting on lyrics, themes, and questions the songs raise and writing short monthly updates about how the project is unfolding.

Think of it as an open notebook.

If you do want to explore the crowdfunder, you can find it here

If the film won’t show in your region please visit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIBQuwDRq0Y

But there’s no expectation at all. Your presence and attention already mean a lot.

If you’d like to receive updates; no spam, no pressure, you’re very welcome to leave your email through the updates button below – I would send a one sentence link, no more than once a month.

And if not, thank you anyway. It’s genuinely good to feel you here.

With gratitude,

Joe