Write Me Stories...

Please find stories below. Start from the bottom of the 'blog' and read upwards to read them all in chronological order if you wish. Actually, you may have to click the names of the individual stories from years gone back, as I'm not sure how to have them all shown/readable easily!
210 stories, 20 (!) years, and (slowly) counting.. A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Adem, Amina/Amiina, Lydia Ainsworth, Andrra, Antarctica Takes It!, Arcade Fire, Rich Aucoin, Lauren Auder, Benni Hemm Hemm, Andrew Bird, Jherek Bischoff, Bodebrixen, Bodies Of Water, Alice Boman, Braids, Breathe Owl Breathe, Jonathan Bree, Broken Twin, Calexico, Nadine Carina, Choir Of Young Believers, Adrian Crowley, Chris T-T, Clem Snide, Darren Hayman, Dan Deacon, Dear Reader, Dillon, Dinner, The Divine Comedy, Malik Djoudi, Dresden Dolls, Alicia Edelweiss, Eels, Efterklang, Hannah Epperson, Eleanoora Rosenholm, Elvis Depressedly, Micah Erenberg, Explosions In The Sky, Farao, The Flaming Lips, Fog, Fol Chen, Ben Folds, Lyla Foy (Wall), Freschard, Fujiya & Miyagi, George Thomas And The Owls, Get Well Soon, Laura Gibson, Half Waif, Happyness, Aldous Harding, Gemma Hayes, Hjaltalín, Hope Of The States, Husky Rescue, Hymns From Nineveh, Ichi, I'm From Barcelona, Siv Jakobsen, Jay-Jay Johanson, Denis Jones, Kathryn Joseph, Jungstötter, Kishi Bashi, Jordan Klassen, Martin Kohlstedt, Lambchop, Jens Lekman, Jack Lewis, Jeffrey Lewis, Joasihno, Little Scream, Loney Dear, The Magnetic Fields, Jo Mango, Laura J Martin, Mercury Rev, Meryl Streek, Misty's Big Adventure, Anaïs Mitchell, The Moldy Peaches, Musée Mécanique, Neverest Songs, NNAMDÏ, Noiserv, The Notwist, November Ultra, Linn Öberg, Ohbijou, Owen Pallett, Pascal Pinon, Phia, Pi Ja Ma, The Polyphonic Spree, Princess Chelsea, Ramona Cordova, Rauelsson, Resina, The Real Tuesday Weld, Albertine Sarges, Sean Nicholas Savage, Seabear, The Second Hand Marching Band, Shearwater, Cosmo Sheldrake, The Silent League, Sleep Party People, Slow Skies, Soap&Skin, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Steady Holiday, Sufjan Stevens, DM Stith, Suburban Kids With Biblical Names, Sylvan Esso, Thinguma*jigsaw, Thus Owls, Yann Tiersen, Shugo Tokumaru, tUnE-yArDs, Tunng, TV Girl, Stuart Warwick, Emily Wells, Why?, Oliver Wilde, Windmill, Woodpecker Wooliams, The Young Republic, Yossarian.

 

Meryl Streek

Sebright Arms, London, December 13th 2022

I've been playing his debut album lots over the past month, and the gig more than lived up to it. Anger has never had such catchy tunes.

Pretty glad that I had asked for a story from him before he put his terrifying white contact lenses on for his performance though! Very friendly chap, and after writing his story he told me that the story was about a mate of his from school who wrote the above piece of wisdom on an exam and then left. 

Definitely looking forward to seeing him play in London again next month!

NNAMDÏ - Nnamdi Ogbonnay

Pitchfork Festival, EartH, London, November 11th 2022

I saw Nnamdi last night and absolutely loved him and his band. So much fun. I wasn't expecting to collect any stories that evening and had come along unprepared without my story cards, and so I had to rip a sign off the wall pointing to the smoking area so that I could use that piece of paper.

"I've got a bit of a strange request for you.."

"Sure... how strange?"

"I get musicians I like to write me stories."

"Oh cool, that's not strange, that's fun!"

and then straight away proceeds with his ant sleeping story.

He also mentioned that he's playing again tonight on the 12th, so will be going along to that also!

 

Alicia Edelweiss

The Great Escape, Latest Music Bar, Brighton, May 12th 2022 

I came across her from the (to-be-cancelled) Great Escape line-up in 2020, and fell in love with the music and ordered the vinyl. I was so pleased to finally get to see her live, and it was even better than I was hoping, and got a great reaction. Loved her smile and enjoyment. Wasn't expecting her to hoola hoop with her face whilst playing her accordion at the end. She wasn't phased about writing a story, and so here is her witch story.

November Ultra - Nova 

Courtyard Theatre, London, April 28th 2022 

She's been my favourite discovery from the upcoming Great Escape Festival, and her recently released Bedroom Walls album is stunning. It was only a very short set last night, but the audience were completely silent, appreciative, and singing in all of the right places, realising it was something special. Okay, gushing over - will definitely see again.

She kept apologising as she was writing the story, saying that it wasn't very good, but it's pretty sweet!

Albertine Sarges 

Mutations Festival, The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, November 7th 2021

Oh hello stories/website, life after/during covid, I remember you!

Albertine Sarges were/was my favourite act of the festival, especially as it was their first UK gig - just super great tunes and super happy band members. Even the sound tech guy was bopping along and allowed them to play an extended set as no one else was playing afterwards. Can't wait to see them again.

Andrra - Fatime Kosumi

The Great Escape, Latest Music Bar, Brighton, May 11th 2019

After the physical energy of Rich Aucoin, the more emotional and hard-hitting energy of Andrra seemed like a great end to the festival for us. Very powerful sounds and songs (in Albanian) based on old folk lyrics from Kosovo and Albania from years gone by. She was super friendly and happy when I spoke with her, in contrast to the more serious topics/sounds from her songs.

Rich Aucoin

The Great Escape, Patterns Upstairs, Brighton, May 11th 2019

Rich was another artist I was able to see twice this weekend, and definitely worth it both times, in a super frenetic Dan Deacon/I'm From Barcelona kinda party jumping good time vibe. He ended up using my back as a table for the story, and the faintness of the pen is from his sweat dropping down after his energetic set, but I think that adds to it.

Malik Djoudi

The Great Escape, Casablanca Jazz Club, Brighton, May 11th 2019

I discovered and saw Malik play in London a couple of months ago, and was then lucky enough to see him twice at The Great Escape. Probably my favourite performance of the weekend, je t'aime! (or some kind of French - not even quite sure what he's written!)

Micah Erenberg

The Great Escape, Green Door Store, Brighton, May 11th 2019

My first of four stories today - Micah was very entertaining on stage and got a good singalong going too, so I thought he'd be good for a story (or three!). A very chicken-themed gig.

Jungstötter - Fabian Altstötter 

EartH (Hackney Arts Centre), London, April 15th 2019

I've been listening to his album for a couple of months now, after seeing he would be supporting Soap&Skin and that she was a fan also. He seemed a bit taken aback at being asked to write a story, and I had a bouncer glaring and mumbling at me to leave, but I've found a cool new German word!

Soap&Skin - Anja Plaschg

EartH (Hackney Arts Centre), London, April 15th 2019

My sixth time of seeing Soap&Skin, but almost seven years since she the last time. So so good. Plus she seemed super happy and relaxed compared to previous times. I ended up in a queue of folk to get stuff signed/written/offer praise, and I started babbling about how long I had been in love with her, before clarifying I meant her music. Lovetune For Vacuum is easily one of my most favourite albums. My 200th story too!

Pi Ja Ma - Pauline De Tarragon

Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, London, March 29th 2019

Instead of Brexiting today, I got to see a French band play a free gig! I had seen them play two days before at Rough Trade East but then rushed off to see another excellent French artist play (Malik Djoudi). I spoke with her bandmate Alex for a bit, but he suggested getting Pauline to write a story instead, which she was very happy to do. Lovely duo. Le woof!

Steady Holiday - Dre Babinski

The Islington, London, October 19th 2018

"Do what you want with it" is what I was told after being given my story. and so I have! (shortly followed by filing it away with the rest of the stories)
A lovely gig, and Dre has such a lovely voice, especially live. Really lovely new album, Nobody's Watching (go and have a listen and such stuff).

Yossarian - Ash Spencer

Servant Jazz Quarters, London, September 10th 2018

This was my fourth Yossarian gig since coming across them at Field Day a few years ago, and they've been great each time. Ash was a super friendly interested/interesting guy, and after writing his story he asked me what my story was, which threw me! I should have just said that I don't have a story, I just collect them. But I didn't.

Princess Chelsea - Chelsea Nikkel

Shacklewell Arms, London, September 11th 2018

I somehow haven't been to Shacklewell Arms before, but it was worth it for this gig. Especially with a bonus Jonathan Bree playing in the band also (who I grabbed a story form last month). It's pleasing when there are these links between musician folk I like.

Sean Nicholas Savage

Sebright Arms, London, August 4th 2018

Our choice of headliner for Visions Festival was basically a guy singing along to tracks on his iPod, but it was such a fun feel-good gig with a very happy audience. I think he had toured last year with another band I love, Dinner, which must have been a super upbeat 80s style dancey gig.

Jonathan Bree

NT'S, London, August 5th 2018

New Zealander Jonathan Bree's first time in the UK I think. He and his band (including two female dancers) wear masks covered in a spandexy type material along with a mop-like wig, and have no chitchat during their show. It was the hottest venue of the day at Visions Festival, so they must have been sweltering.

After their set they went off backstage, and I was wondering if I would be able to identify Jonathan when (/if) he came back out so that I could ask for a story. Thankfully it wasn't too hard though: 

The eagle-eyed among you might notice that he has no eye-holes in his mask, and he was still not speaking (also portrayed in the photo). I thanked him for the show, shook his hand, and told him that I have a strange request for him to write me a story and which is probably going to be a bit stranger due to his attire. He at first shook his head and shrugged his shoulders and pointed to his face, signifying that he couldn't help, but I said any kind of squiggles would do. And so he wrote some kind of squiggles.

Lauren Auder

London Fields Brewhouse, London, August 5th 2018

Lauren's song The Baptist is one of my favourites from this year, and he was my fist must-see performance at Visions Festival. The gig (and his voice) was amazing despite him having apparently lost his equipment when flying over from Latvia the previous day. Messy handwriting though, something about fishing with a horse's head I think. I can't believe he's pretty much almost half my age though.

Noiserv - David Santos

Teatro Tivoli BBVA, Lisbon, April 8th 2018

I first heard Noiserv just over 4 years ago, and have been waiting / hoping for him to come and play in London since then, but then decided that the only solution was to just go to Portugal instead. The gig ended up being as great as I hoped from watching his live dvd and videos online - just an amazing build-up of sounds and tunes from one guy, with tv screens showing the various parts of his instruments at all times. It was a shame to not understand Portuguese and understand everything he was saying in between all of his songs, but lovely to meet and chat with him afterwards. Hopefully will see him play again one day!

Martin Kohlstedt

Servant Jazz Quarters, London, February 7th 2018

This sold-out gig was a delight, with Martin's expressive and ecstatic face manoeuvres being a nice little addition to the excellent music.

I asked for a story afterwards, and at first he was a bit taken aback, and joked that he might have used up all of his creativity in the gig. After some thinking for a while, he said that his first though was 'juvenile restlessness', but he wasn't sure how to write it in English. I then said German was more than fine enough, and then he happily wrote away.

I just need to summon my German friend Tanja to come and translate the story please!

Dinner - Anders Rhedin

The Joker, Brighton, November 20th 2017

Story time. I used to (and still do) love a Danish band/chap under the name of Jong Pang, who released two albums back in 2008 and 2009. Excellent albums, especially the second one. The singer then disappeared to L.A., and I was not very good in finding out where he went.

Then, 2017, the Choir Of Young Believers chap, Jannis, announced that he would be coming to do a solo tour supporting a friend of his called Dinner. I had a listen, they sounded super 80s, but catchy. I then read that he was also Danish, and was living in L.A.... and lo and behold it was my Jong Pang chap!

A ticket for London was then bought, as well as one for a gig in Brighton the evening beforehand. Unfortunately this gig got cancelled, so I then bought a ticket to see Blue Hawaii (who I had previously got a story from in the form of Braids) in Brighton instead, and then it was later announced that Dinner would be the support. No bonus Choir Of Young Believers, but I was still happy.

& the gig was amazing. Such a fun performer, with crazy dances (which I filmed and compiled here in case anyone fancies watching), and looking forward to doing it all over again this evening, now with bonus COYB. Which seems fitting, as I had originally found Jong Pang as a result of Choir of Young Believers, and so did the same for Dinner.

I'm so tired, I didn't sleep well last night, and my story is longer than the original story from Anders, but that uncertainty of sleep and awake also seems fitting.

DINNER. DINNER. DINNER.

Jherek Bischoff

Union Chapel, London, June 3rd 2017

It's true! He's great at stories on stage (encouraging babies to sing along to one of his scary songs to add to the atmosphere of it), but not off stage.  Actually, I quite like this story.  Him and his string quartet were very impressive live, and it was great to hear/see Cistern performed live.

Jay-Jay Johanson - Jäje Johanson

DRAF Studio, LONDON, May 18th 2017

A very last minute discovery/decision to attend this superb free gig.  This Swedish chap has a lovely deep singing voice like Neil Hannon or Jens Lekman, and great lyrics to boot.
At the end of the gig, Jäje then went around shaking everybody's hands and thanking them!  When he started writing my story, he paused for a bit, and then excitedly asked me: "It doesn't have to be very long does it? Maybe it can be a secret! Or a recipe!", both of which I was happy with.  He thought for a bit more and then wrote his list of three suicides.  He then asked me whether I had heard of the story of the Russian poet Majakovsky before, to which I said I hadn't.  He said it was a wonderful story and so he then wrote Majakovsky's name again and then started telling me about him, then adding Lily, who M was apparently in love with, although she was married to Osip.  M & L sent lots of letters to each other, but M ended up shooting himself in the heart as M wouldn't leave her husband.  Something like that!  Jäje then said that there was a great book about it/the letters, so will need to investigate.  This might have been the first time that a story was explained to me whilst being written. 

Kishi Bashi - Kaoru Ishibashi

Hackney Oslo, London, May 14th 2017

Such a great fun performer.  A quick story, due to the tens of people waiting for his time, with my suggestion of Mr T as a topic after Mr Bashi mentioned him briefly in the gig.  Maybe some Grimm Tales type horror could happen to him in the forest...

TV Girl - Brad Petering

London, Kaimo, April 26th 2017 

Have been a fan of TV Girl since 2013 and never thought they would come over to the UK, but luckily they tagged with Elvis Depressedly to play a much-too-short-set in front of a excessively fascinatingly hipster looking crowd.

Half Waif - Nandi Rose Plunkett

London, Surya, January 23rd 2017

I've been enjoying Half Waif's album a fair bit last year, and so it was good to see them at their first European gig in a small London venue.  They sound even better live and Nandi's story above is more interesting than my one here!

Kathryn Joseph

London, St John at Bethnal Green, November 30th 2016

December 2015: came across the stunning Kathryn Joseph album, Bones You Have Thrown Me and Blood I've Spilled, listened to it constantly, and drew my own version of the album cover for my end of year mix cd for friends.

January 2016: mentioned it to Miss J on twitter, and stole her address and posted it to her.

November 2016: saw her play a lovely (and freezing) gig in a church with free whiskey, mentioned my mix cd just after asking for a story, and then collected the above story from the happy lady.  Happy Paul also.

December 2016: need to decide what this year's cd cover will be and what songs to include.

Lambchop - Kurt Wagner

London, Rough Trade, November 8th 2016

The last (and first) time I saw Lambchop was over 14 years ago in Glasgow, with the lovely and missed St Thomas as support.  It was before I had started collecting stories, and in that brief phase when I was getting bands to sign cuddly toys instead.  So after that gig, I got Kurt and his wife to sign a DangerMouse cuddly toy, which I still have in a cupboard somewhere.
I've not done much Lambchop listening since Nixon and Is A Woman, but I really should do.  Was a really nice mini-set this evening.  The utterly surreal q and a session by Tim Burgess just added to it.  Anyhow, here's hoping that my today isn't dwarfed in comparison to the tomorrow coming from America!

Resina - Karolina Rec

Union Chapel, London, October 15th 2016

It's been a very Polish few weeks - a friend's wedding in Poland three weeks ago, another one next week, and in between is this amazing Polish find at Daylight Music.  Loopy cello experimental lovely sounds, not too far away from Hannah Epperson, just with no singing.  Oh, the story is in Polish, saying that she's very happy that she's had a chance to perform in a place such as the Union Chapel - wonderful character/aura!  (she was probably talking about me)

Elvis Depressedly - Matt Cothran

Moth Club, London, June 8th 2016

I first came across Elvis Depressedly via another band TV Girl recommending Coma Cinema (Matt's other band) a few years ago, and quite enjoyed the Coma Cinema album. I only properly listened to the brilliantly-named Elvis Depressedly this year when I saw that they were coming over to the UK for the first time. It ended up being a great sold out gig, and after I got and thanked Matt for the story he then thanked me for giving him the opportunity to create something, which was a nice outlook!

Hannah Epperson

Sebright Arms, London, 2nd June 2016

Part 2 of her self-confessed dark story.  Reminds me of Sufjan Stevens' delightfully bonkers story.

Hannah Epperson

Sebright Arms, London, 2nd June 2016

Out of all of my near(ish) 200 requests for stories, I'm pretty certain none of them had such an enthusiastic response as Hannah's: "Fuck yeah! Cool. Love it!"
I only discovered Hannah's music a couple of days ago, after finding out that she would be supporting Aidan Knight (who I'd only discovered a few weeks before), and quickly fell in love with her Owen Pallett / Emily Wells style violin coolness.  & she was just so amazing and spine-tingling live - better than most main acts that I go and see.  Go.  See.  (She'll be back in London in October apparently)

Aldous Harding

Union Chapel, London, May 21st 2016

I only started listening to Aldous the night before seeing her at Daylight Music, and quickly fell in love with the darkness and beauty of her songs. She was incredibly good and quirky live also - kind of wish I'd listened to her sooner and caught more of her gigs. She was super nice also, praise praise praise... Looking forward to her next album, and the brilliantly titled song 'What if birds aren't singing, they're screaming'. Poor birds.

The Second Hand Marching Band - Pete Liddle

Union Chapel, London, March 19th 2016

I first heard about these guys back in 2008 from my friend Laura who was convinced I would like them (maybe because there were a million members), and she was correct.  Fast forward 8 years later for their first London gig and my first chance to see them, and also their last ever gig!  (although let's hope that unhappens one day in the future)  Standing ovations and encores at the lunchtime Daylight Music gigs are quite rare, but theirs was much deserved after their tearful/smile-inducing joint set with Benni Hemm Hemm (who I collected a story from back in 2006 here).  Nicely fitting story from the super nice main chap, Pete.

Happyness - Jonny Allan

Moth Club, London, March 6th 2016

Their Weird Little Birthday Girl song was one of my most listened to songs from last year, despite being about 900 minutes long.  Had a nice chat with Benji after their sit about some guy in New York or somewhere who got bands to write their favourite lyrics in a notepad, what a geek.  Whilst after a split second's thought, Jonny came up with this superb story.

Mercury Rev - Jonathan Donahue

Rough Trade East, London, October 7th 2015

I've loved Mercury Rev for over 15 years, so this was a very long overdue story.  Was a great instore set - only four songs played during an hour, but lots of Jonathan rambling about stuff, including stories with The Flaming Lips and Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.  

Siv Jakobsen

The Slaughtered Lamb, London, July 6th 2015

Quite happy to get to see Siv, as I was planning on seeing Hydrogen Sea play that evening in the Old Blue Last, but I ended up managing to see both so that was moderately pleasing.  Lovely venue to see Siv and her songs.  Hoorah Norway!

Cosmo Sheldrake

The Boileroom, Guildford, May 12th 2015

I only recently discovered him, and was disappointed to see that I had just missed seeing him in London a couple of times, and wouldn't be able to see his next gig in July (some cultured To Kill A Mockingbird fun instead) - and then realised that Guildford wasn't actually that far away. Was a great performance, as all of his youtube videos led me to expect. and he was one of those people who agreed to write a story straight away without second questioning it. Must see again!

Phia - Sophia Exiner

The Old Queen's Head, London, April 26th 2015

A friend recommended Phia to me at the end of last year, and since then I have eagerly pre-ordered her album and so jumped at the chance of seeing her play this last minute set. She was as good as my high expectations had hoped. & very nice too! More please.

Farao - Kari Jahnsen

Lexington, London, February 26th 2015

Cast: Kari, Paul
Setting: Lexylexington

Paul: Hi, weird request/musicians I like/story etc
Kari: a story?
Paul: Yeah, it can be about anything
Kari: Oh, I don't know. Can you give me a theme?
Paul: ummmm...... errrrr...... ummm....
Kari: Aha, I will take inspiration from your glasses
(gives me beer to hold. writes story. gives story back)
Paul: ThankyouIloveyourEPlistenedsomuchlastyearwillyouhavealbum
Kari: Thanks, that's nice. Yes, in September.

The end!
I like this story. It's horrid.
Listen to her song To Sleep Apart, it might make you cry. Or her song Forces, it might make you cool. and cry.

Lydia Ainsworth

Sebright Arms, London, February 17th 2015

Cast: Lydia, Paul, Paul's friend Eran
Setting: Sebright Arms, just after Lydia finished her set

Paul: Hello, that was really cool. Can I ask you a weird request / can you write me a story please?
Lydia: okay
Eran: You don't explain why you want a story?
Paul: (whilst moving Eran away so that the story can be written) No, I don't want to influence what they write
Eran: Don't they want to know why?
Paul: Mostly not
(story is then finished and handed back)
Paul: Thank you!
(Lydia starts to walk away)
Eran: (to Lydia) Don't you want to know why?!?!?!
Lydia: No, I don't care
Eran:  ?!?!?!!?!!
Paul: See!

Dan Deacon

Islington Assembly Hall, London, February 16th 2015

Oh gosh. Such a fun gig. I danced like an excitable loon non-stop. Mr Deacon seemed very nice and quite happy to write a story, once the half naked Norwegian guy Eric had gone away.

The Notwist - Markus Acher

Oval Space, London, October 29th 2014

Oh gosh, I'm so happy to get a story from him, after loving The Notwist for over 12 years, and seeing them live a bunch of times and having a failed attempt of getting a story 6 years ago. Anyhow, he was super lovely, and god I love The Notwist.

Slow Skies - Karen Sheridan

Sebright Arms, London, October 21st 2014

Anyhow, an utterly lovely band.  Go youtube their 'Oscar' video should you want a cry or some such.

Slow Skies - Karen Sheridan

Sebright Arms, London, October 21st 2014

Ooh, a story with a title! and with the word 'eejit' in it. Not sure what more is needed.

I was feeling a bit cowardly in barging in to get a story this time, like the previous time I saw them last year, but my chum Vicky decided to be brave and interrupt for me. Fame and riches on the way to her at some point. Karen was rather lovely, and disappeared for a short while and came back with this sweet little story.

Jordan Klassen

Ace Hotel, London, September 25th 2014

..but then it ended up being quite a cool story, seamlessly switching to his own pen halfway through. Go listen to (watch the video for) The Horses Are Stuck. Brilliant.

Jordan Klassen

Ace Hotel, London, September 25th 2014

Lovely free gig for this Canadian chappy. Although I felt bad as he seemed to not know how to start the story for ages, and then he had to keep shaking the pen to get it to work.....

Oliver Wilde

End Of The Road Festival, Dorset/Wiltshire, August 31st 2014 

A very recent discovery, and I've been playing his album on repeat for the past fortnight. Fascinating fact for you there. Excellent live also. This story is rather lovely too!