Yes, you did read that right- the dragoncats are coming and they’re hungry for revenge. Revenge of the Dragoncat, my new single, is out on the 6th January 2023- pre order it here. We’ll be playing at Servant Jazz Quarters on 10th January to celebrate. Get your tickets now!
Since the roborecorder surfaced in the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry’s exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music, all of the interest in what I do has been quite overwhelming. I was honoured that the amazing curators Emily and Steven chose the roborecorder for Lauren Laverne to preserve in the BBC Radio 6museum. Definitely a pinch me moment. I would never have dreamt of this happening when I had the idea for the roborecorder back in 2019. Plastic recorders are, let’s face it, a somewhat despised and underutilised instrument. I’ve been on the receiving end of more negative opinions on this point that I care to mention, which is why I ended up studying clarinet at music college rather than the instrument I was actually best at. So it gives me great satisfaction to be bringing a plastic recorder into museums, concert halls and beyond to challenge this misperception.
With all of this happening, it seemed like the perfect time to release the very first piece I wrote for roborecorder, INNERVATE. I got half-way through putting it out just before the pandemic, when everything ground to a halt. I’m super excited to be able to share it in its entirety on the 10th February! Put it in your diary- more news on the Bandcamp release soon.
On top of this, I had the opportunity to make a feature for none other than New Scientist. I remember back in my school Physics lessons being instructed to read New Scientist magazine and being absolutely fascinated by it. I’m still a subscriber to this day, so it’s fair to say that I may have caused the cats some consternation by jumping up and down with excitement at this news. David Stock came to Anarres to film the interview and a live performance and was brilliant at putting me at ease for the shoot. As a human with a huge phobia of speaking to camera I am super proud of the results. I’m so grateful for all of the effort they put in to bring my story to life.
It’s the darkest time of a tough year. I know I’m not alone in feeling the cold and the gloom, and a lot of people have asked me how all of this happened, so it’s great to take a moment to shine a light on some of the pieces of the jigsaw and express my gratitude. Help Musicians UK Fusion Fund supported the production of INNERVATE. My band Spiral Dial are a constant source of inspiration and always willing to venture into the weird. The generosity of Leafcutter John in sharing his time and expertise with me back in 2019 which enabled me to bring my idea for the roborecorder to life. The whole Paraorchestra team, who are tireless advocates for disabled musicians. My amazing mentor Martel Ollerenshaw of Arts and Parts. The Science Museum, especially Emily, Steven and Lewis, for all of their support and the Sage Gateshead for spreading the roborecorder word through Summer Studios. I feel so happy to have met all of you and that I get to work with you now and in the future.
Best of all has been the lovely messages I have received on social media from people who have connected with my story. I wanted to make INNERVATE to raise awareness of epilepsy and particularly the large number of brain conditions that are related to music in some way. It is so gratifying to hear that this dream is becoming reality at last. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it in London in January.
Purrs
Liza x
