Blog

It's been a whole month since I last blogged, so I thought I should prove that I haven't forgotten about the blog or given up. There still hasn't been much to write about. The problem with a new album is that whilst it's exciting that a new album is on the way, in the mean time there is very little else happening since the band are spending most of their time in the studio. So with very little news to write about, I've left the blog alone for a while. Last month I resorted to writing about song statistics, scraping the barrel I know. One piece of news on that though is that I have begun my campaign for QUV tracks on the new album, and have been told that they will see what they can do. At least they are aware of the situation now. (If you've no idea what I'm talking about, read my previous blog post).

There have been a few news items that I've put on the site in the last month. Delirious? were nominated for two Dove Awards; 'Modern Rock Album of the Year' for World Service and 'Special Event Album of the Year' for their contribution of the U2 classic 'Pride' on the In The Name of Love compilation. The band have had numerous nominations for the Doves in past years, but have so far failed to win one (unless you count the Dove Award for the Streams compilation they contributed to in 2000). This always causes a bit of a stir when it's discussed amongst fans. The problem with awards like the Doves is that every fan thinks their favourite band should win, and often forgets that it's not a popularity contest or even an award for the best music. The Doves are voted for by members of the CCM industry. I'm not saying it's corrupt, but you have to expect a certain amount of favourtism when a voting system is as internal as that. I don't think Delirious? are that bothered if they don't win a Dove Award, they understand the system. But having said that, every artist (d: included) would be extremely happy to get an award because if nothing else it's great publicity.

Another interesting piece of d: news in the past month was that Martin Smith was invited to join a host of other UK Christian musicians to sing on a charity single to raise money for the victims of the Tsunami disaster. Also involved in the single are Fame Academy judges David and Carrie Grant and worship leaders Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick and Matt Redman. This story has been exceptionally difficult to find information on. Other than who's singing on it, the only other concrete information I was able to dig up was that the single was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London on 19th February. The original press release said the single would be released 'in time for Easter', which is now only a few weeks away. There has been no word on a release date, or even how the single will be available.

Over the past few weeks the d: StudioCam has been active, with the band making faster than expected progress on the new album. Attentive viewers will have spotted some interesting goings on via the webcam. Last week former electrician StuG gave us a soldering masterclass, and the world famous Mr Hutch has also been spotted in the studio clutching his video camera. The inside word is that they're capturing a few things on video in case they want to use them at a later date. Maybe the new album will have some interesting extras on it, who knows? Jon has also been seen sporting an impressive new beard, and the band were seen huddled around a heater trying to keep warm during the current cold spell attacking the UK.


Above: StuG's soldering masterclass (left), Andy Hutch with video camera (right)
Below: Jon shows off his new beard (left), The band keeping warm (right)


So we move into March and what a busy month it is. The band fly out to America today ready for a mini US tour, four states in four days. Then they have two dates in Switzerland and four dates down under in Australia over Easter. The year is shaping up to be one of much travel for the band, with concerts scheduled in five different countries in May alone, and five countries during July too. By the time summer arrives this year, Delirious? will already have visited 13 different countries. No doubt the air miles will come in handy.