AJ explores why he’s chosen to release his sophomore album only in physical form.

Songs For Separation: Listening Notes

As he prepares to release Songs For Separation, AJ explores the wild and wonderful world and history of album artwork …

My oldest and closest friend spends some time with my latest album and then rings me to let me know if I’ve wasted my time or not …

Some of the details from the recording of Songs For Separation …

Mid-recording of Songs For Separation, AJ can’t see the finish line, and can’t remember the start …

Recording his first complete set of songs with music and words, AJ explores the history of the lyrics, and what makes a good one …

Why the sound you make does not come from the kit you have.

After long disuse due to Covid, AJ finds his vocal chords have rusted.

How much influence do artists actually have … ?

AJ decides the direction of travel for what will become the Songs for Separation album, and explores the concept of chemistry

AJ details what guitar manufacturers and retailers say …

… what it actually means.

AJ illustrates how a Geordie called Brian invented the guitar hero …

How to release the next album … ?

Notes on the recording of what will become the Test Pieces album …

Ahead of a round of publisher pitch meetings, I review The Same River Twice for my agent.

Test Pieces. Three Takes. Location. Next. And why.

Why from The Beatles to Oasis, the music business keeps trying to sell you what you already own.

What makes the guitar and guitar-based music emotionally resonant and culturally valuable?

Recovering from Long Covid, not ‘what next?’ but whether a next is possible …