Well, I’d meant to share a festive update before Christmas, but you know how it is. Anyway, here’s a belated round-up of last year and a hint at what’s to come in 2026.
Live Music
2025 was a busy year! I had a blast playing with Kurlew across Dumfries and Galloway and the North of England – from Berwick to Kirkcudbright, Moniaive to Cockermouth. Such a good laugh on stage and the audience reaction has been fantastic. More to come with our first gig in Carlisle in March and plans afoot for Glasgow and Edinburgh.
We got an outstanding write-up of our Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival appearance in the glossy Dumfries and Galloway Life magazine…
I’d been very impressed with the feel and arrangement of their debut single, ‘Quite the Catch’ last year, and it turns out that the recording is a faithful recreation of their live sound. A combination of strong vocals, tasteful guitars and mandolin, tidy uncluttered percussion and bass that bobs along nicely, all proved to be part of their signature sound.
Music Writer, Dumfries and Galloway Life
Seeing and hearing them live expanded on that, and it was quickly apparent to me just why they were going down well with a strong crowd.
These guys are of an age where I’m sure it’s not a first band for any of them – but the wee smiles between them, the sharing of vocals, the mutual respect they clearly have for each other, shows they have found the right people to be making music with. And that’s what matters most.
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that the bands I most enjoy hearing are the ones that don’t fill every single gap – they give each other space to play – and Kurlew do that extremely well. I’m looking forward to hearing more from them.
Some enjoyable solo How Askew gigs, including a return to the Jumpin’ Hot Club in Newcastle. They’d just celebrated 40 years of live music with a great exhibition of pics and memorabilia.
I opened for Welsh piano and accordion player Geraint Watkins and his band downstairs in the Cluny 2, while Arrested Development rocked the house upstairs in the Cluny. The hip hop outfit had a HUGE tour bus parked outside. I slept in my van nearby 😉
Randomly, I bumped into comedian Dara O Briain outside the Cluny and we had a wee chat. He was enjoying a wander – his first time in the Ouseburn area. It was pretty magical, all lit up and with smiling people everywhere.
In the Studio
Last year was intense – building the studio and getting the acoustics right and all that jazz. So, I’m delighted to hit 2026 running. The new business – Toppet Hill – is ramping up. I’ve got more hours available and the booking page is live. There’s talk of hosting workshops in music production for young people, which will be fantastic.
I’m starting to organise events through Toppet Hill. On the lookout for spaces to put on live music… and not just traditional venues – thinking of my travels where I played all sorts of random places, like vineyards and bison farms.
If you think of places, or artists, that might want to give this a try – get in touch!
Down the farm
Life on the small holding has been just as busy. Bev had her hands full with the pigs last year, making some awesome salami, chorizo, bacon, hams and pork cuts. She had an amazing first year with her new business – Acre Fare – at various local producers markets.
Check out her site to find out more.
Saying Goodbye to Boo
We’ve had a terrible start to 2026 as we had to say goodbye to our precious little dog, Boo. She’d had the most incredible life but it came as a real shock to lose her so abruptly after an accident. She’d travelled to 25 countries and made friends everywhere she went. So many stories, so many memories. Like the time we went into a tiny bar in Venice and the owner instantly ran round from behind the bar to smother her in cuddles and kisses, crying “Ah, Patatina!” – little potato, that nickname stuck.
We’re slowly finding our feet again. Having Storm is a comfort, he gets all the cuddles now. We’re looking forward to making new memories with him as the year unfolds.
Looking Ahead
Just want to say a quick thank you for the continued support. Whether you came to a show, bought, streamed or shared some music, bought some produce from Bev, or just followed along from afar with the blog or social media, we appreciate it.
Plenty to look forward to – wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2026.
