MAY 2009 UPDATE

GOLDEN BOULDER 2009 has another new emphasis. Broadening our music, continuing to widen our geographical gig base - but still loving our local background. The band has always been known for almost reinventing itself each year, and this remains the case. Sometimes people forget how much we've changed - even surprised we're not still 8 years old! Oh boy, that's an old story, a good one, but very much history now. With Chris and Ellz well into the 15's and Nick 16 yrs old, there's always something new from GOLDEN BOULDER for folks to enjoy!

One thing is for sure live gigs are still the passion of the band, it's one thing to go into a studio and spend months getting it right, but can you produce the sound live - and get it right first time? Great audiences are also key to making the most of that, so make sure you check out the Golden Boulder for 2009 and beyond - there'll probably be a new surprise every time you see us!

Interesting events in 2009 include the grand opening event at Hotham Park - our own 'party in the park' where we should have been playing Layla it seems - as Patty Boyd was due to be there, but plans changed - so if we'd done it would she have been there? The Chichester Youth Wing at the Chichester Girls school also asked us to open their new venue - which was a great fun - loud - and that wasn't just the band (thanks girls). Then Chris got the chance to play Sweet Home Alabama with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Mike Este's - a massive surprise to be asked! We also like to get people involved at our gigs, so if you want to join us on stage, let us know!

Battle of the bands events are not often the way to go - they usually cost money and the outcome value mainly goes to the promoter. Just sometimes it is different. A good example this year has been near Southampton, the great music venue The Swan, Woolston. You may have to prove yourself all over again, but we got to play with some very established bands, so winning two events was a good way to get the message across.

We're not actually that competitive, and prefer to be part of a collaboration that's all about the music, but if you do win, it can't be bad! Going in as a band that nobody knows has good and bad prospects. Bad because you probably won't have many old friends there to support you, but good because nobody has any preconceptions about the show! More gigs in the venue and surrounding area are already booked and we'd like to find more new places to play of course!

Chris continues to work on developing his sound - buying a Marshall JCM2000 TSL100 head to go with his 1960a 4x12 cab, but this meant an alternative to some of the main effects he's used through his Line6 HD147 head for the last two years.

The TSL100 is a stunning amp - and has a good standing in the industry, the three channel all valve monster brings more warmth to the sounds he loves to use on stage. But getting the right pedals wasn't an easy prospect, for whatever you say about Line6 it's a very clever technology 'in one box'.

Thankfully while we were at the International Music Show at Excel, London in June 2009 we met up with an old friend. Ace from Skunk Anansie took time out to help Chris choose the pedals - based on his almost unrivalled experience in the field! Having not met up for nearly six years Ace had to make a double take before recognising Chris, but like we said - times change!

Skunk Anansie is due to start touring again in October 2009 - so obviously we wish them all a great return to the stage together... and yes, thanks for having some fun with us all those years back too Ace!

Chris also had the great pleasure of on and off spending some of the day with Dave Swift, dare we say lovely guy... anyway amazing bass player with Jools Holland ever since 1991. He's played alongside the biggest names in the industry (seriously) and quite simply Dave is a real pro in every sense, and to get the chance to chat informally, get a tiny insight into his career without hassling him, can only be worth its weight in gold for a young guy  getting to an age for decision making! So now the scene is set for the next chapter and GOLDEN BOULDER is looking forward to getting out there for you - most of all making music and having some hard fun.

To be taken seriously by the trade and notable musicians alike is very encouraging. It is also an honour we don't take for granted. Anyone that thinks it's all playing and easy earning being in a band doesn't realise the hard work that goes into making it more than a bunch of fun-time wannabee's. Yes having fun is very important, but getting it right is key to it being more than just yourself posing. Equally there's nothing wrong in doing your music in a low key way, but let's be honest it takes a lot of time, hard work and money to try to do it right - whatever your style.

Late in June GOLDEN BOULDER went back to France - for Fête de la Musique in Gorron, Pays de Loire. We played there in 2008, ad of course it was even better to be asked back a second time.

Praying for good weather again just about paid off, this time we were to front a local restaurant for the event... In the ned we couldn't get the van and gear anywhere near the venue, so they cleared the forecourt of the local garage - we love the way everywhere but UK makes things so easy!

After France we were back to Southampton at the beginning of July. The Swan at Woolston staged the semi's for the Showcase BOTB. If we got through again it would be all be in the fickle hands of the audience; but even better, we were gigging there a couple of days later for a full show. We won yet again - we can't believe it frankly, as nobody there knew us even! The following gig was packed and a great time was had by all - as they say!

So, how did France go...

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE, GORRON - 20TH JUNE 2009

WHEN YOU DO A GIG THAT LASTS OVER THREE HOURS, A FEW THINGS MIGHT CROP UP...
NICK'S BASS NEEDED SOME ATTENTION AND CHRIS'S GUITAR WIRELESS PLAYED UP AT WAY PAST THE 2 HR STAGE.

THANKFULLY WE HAD THE AMAZING IAN HAMILTON ON BONGOS - GUESTING AND HELPING TO CREATE OUR TRIBAL SECTION
NO-ONE STOPPED DANCIN' AND WE JUST CARRIED ON...   SEE THE SHORT YOU TUBE LINKS BELOW...

YOUTUBE LINKS     YOUTUBE LINKS
a full DVD video is nearly ready (well you know us) - if you'd like one, just ask

Here's a few complete numbers showing some contrast over the course of the night

SEE YOU AGAIN IN GORRON 2010 HOPEFULLY!

We seem to have been in demand over Hampshire way in 2009 and its been great!

- following on from The Swan Showcase BOTB (Feb to Jul 09),
                              (read the FULL story - link above)

Going through the rounds and reaching the finals
as an unknown band in the Southampton area
was a phenomenal treat.

Getting down to the 'last two standing' and finally
coming runner up to a band from 'round the corner' from the venue.
...we had no regrets, or or any remote sense of failure, as
we'd earned ourselves studio time in Surrey
and Golden Boulder merchandise vouchers...
       ... and a whole set of new 2010 gig dates ( yay ! )

There was also a rare live music show at the Ferry Boat Inn at Hayling Island
and we have The Hayling Island Beer Festival, coming up in October.

 
The Netley Police Training School in Hamble,

see short phone video

Nyodema - World Music and Arts Festival 

Also there was the Bognor Rox Festival 2009 where Chris was asked to guest with The Renegade Cowboys Allstars alongside some of the best musicians from the area. He chose to use a 1973 Vintage Hagstrom H-IIN-OT guitar obtained from USA a while back. It was claimed that Keith Richards used the guitar in the early 70's when endorsed by Selmer Magnavox Ampeg.

Roxstars and Renegade Cowboys photos courtesy of generous photographers including Adam White and Christian Murray

...also with the Roxstars band earlier in the day playing guitar, bass and drums!

Roxstars and Renegade Cowboys photos courtesy of generous photographers including Adam White and Christian Murray

The Walled Garden Chillout - Near Fareham - a THREE HOUR session followed by 2 DJ's - finishing around 3.30am
Purpose built stage, full permanent electrics, all made to spec ready for the gig... and next year... and next hopefully!

Video available below

             
The video is most of set one from the Walled Garden gig (YouTube embedded presentation)

GOLDEN BOULDER has been gigging for eight years - which at any age is something to be proud of!
- Go and see the Full giglist here or go to recent/latest gigs here

GIG PICS TWELVE   (Back to Page Ten)

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