Returned safe and sound from a trip south of the river. For the first time, we had a good sound. Easy, I know, to make excuses - but having rehearsed in one environment, then playing live in another - it does make a big difference. The previous two shows lacked a decent P.A. - last night we had one , and we made it count. "Gay Lorry Drivers" inspired an outbreak of dancing amongst the audience. Our best performance, by far.
Another positive - we were featured today in The Daily Star On Sunday. The article carrying the story that we are planning a Euro 2004 release. The title - "We're All Portugeezers" - all Kevin's work.
This week is a big one - the CD out on Thursday - the full website launched.

A date at The Hope & Anchor, Islington has just been confirmed - Friday 12th March, we're on at 9pm. The H&A is one of those venues I remember reading about in NME back in the good old days. Never been there myself, should be interesting. Bit of a mini Islington tour as we're at The Buffalo Bar on the previous Wednesday - we thought of staying in Islington for the three nights but couldn't face all that ciabatta and sun dried tomatoes.
The big medical news is that I've managed to pick up an ear infection. Fancy that, and so young. I'm glad it has been diagnosed, as at last night's rehearsal I had trouble hearing the PA despite the levels being turned up to maximum. It did cross my mind that I was becoming deaf and a Donald Pleasance/Great Escape scenario with the rest of the group was on the cards.
Oh well, it's an early night for The Disco Students as we're at The Half Moon tomorrow.

This coming Saturday we travel down to Herne Hill to play at The Half Moon. William, who runs the night seems to have his finger on the button - we're on third of a four band bill. The press release states "The Disco Students venture south with their perfect pop".
'Tis true, I suppose - I've always felt that whatever style of music there must be a melody , there just has to be a tune .
I received one of those mass emails today - they promise to increase one's penis by a good few inches. Don't get me wrong, I don't suppose any of us would mind that - but does it work I wonder ? And if so, how ? Anyway, the title of the email was interesting , the subject read "Easygoing Barber". Mmmm, I thought, what a great title for a song.....

A bout of frantic songwriting has just occured - and I feel all the better for it. "Writer and Broadcaster" , "The Bird in Belle & Sebastian",
"When The Young Are All Old" and "I Could Never Love A Girl With Bad Handwriting" have all appeared on paper. We'll soon knock them into shape. On another note, I am about to take delivery of a Groovebox. No, it's not what you think.
We've been thinking of using samples when we play live - the soon to be released CD contains a number - and the idea of using technology, particularly the kind associated with another style of music appeals. Might be a harpsichord next, or a lute.
The one problem I foresee is when we do play live, I'll be responsible for actually working the sampler/groovebox. I tend to get so involved in what's going on onstage, that I fear samples blasting away here there and everywhere. We'll see.
By the way, in case you're wondering - oli was poured on the stormy water/rehearsal studio situation. Peace has broken out.

Ah ! Our first review. From the MonkeyBoy Promotions website - A music lover who saw us at The Flag thinks the group should " Get rid of the camp guy singer - send him back to the corner he came from ."
He then somewhat blots his copybook by heaping praise on the folk group who headlined.
For a moment I thought of posting a message saying things like " The Disco Students were MUCH better than the folk group - and the singer is NOT camp. He's tough as old boots and would beat YOU in a fight any day of the week".
But then they can trace I.P. addresses and such these days - so it would all come out in the wash .

After six months of constant progress, we hit our first "problem" the other night. Our rehearsal studio is managed by the most ignorant meathead known to man - and sooner or later, something was going to give.
The charmless one succeeded in provoking a situation with us, and Richard was quite prepared to deal with it in the manner it needed.
Twenty years ago, the idiot from the studio would have been in A&E, and we would have been searching for a new rehearsal space.
Ah, the wisdom of experience.
We all calmed down and will treat the fool with the contempt he deserves.
Another frustration is the release of the CD - but it looks now if we'll have it ready for release in the next ten days.

A burst of activity on the gig front - 3 dates confirmed today - Saturday 28th February we will be playing at The Half Moon in Herne Hill, Saturday 3rd April we're at The Bull & Gate in Kentish Town - and Friday 23rd April The Kitchen Sink Disco in Manchester. Add to this the date at The Buffalo Bar and we've got four good gigs ahead.
Progess too on the distribution front for the CD - more news here soon.
We're now just waiting to get the CDs ready and we're off and running.
You'll be able to order a CD from this site - I'll post details here next week.

The day after the night before - our second live performance of the new era at The Flag, Watford . Despite a few technical problems, and a rather less than perfect sound - we performed an eight song set - "Chrysler Building 1976" making its first appearance in place of "Kafkaesque" .
We were the middle group of a rather eclectic bill - we followed a three piece power trio bedecked in matching red wigs, and preceded a peace and love acoustic folk outfit. Well catholic.
All in all we were pleased with our set, and there does seem to be a Disco Student following beginning to blossom.
We wait now for the CD to be released.