How do you prepare for touring and studio work?
These are really two separate beasts. Recently found myself in the studio again after so much touring. I found it hard initially get back into character…or get out of character. Creating is mining from a totally different part of the brain.
I played a gig with Carl Barat the other day with little time to prepare but it went really well and was enjoyable. Usually my worst nightmare is having no time to prepare. I prefer having time before to work stuff out, but I have good results with no time too.
Is it hard to adapt your sound to different artists?
Not so much. I definitely have my own style, but know better than to just try and shoehorn that in to every gig. I’ve done a fair bit of production so I’m more versed on playing what’s appropriate.
How do you find work?
Tough one. No real definitive answer to this. Word of mouth really. Just being around for long enough means you get to know a fair few people, and if they don’t think I’m a twix, they’ll give me a shout if they think it would work.
What advice would you give to young people wanting to work as a session musician?
Get out the bedroom and meet people. Try and put what life throws at you into your music/playing. Sounds abstract but that’s half the fun.