Hot Music Live chats to Ian Bourne
And, of course, he’s a man who follows his own advice, regularly playing sessions around the country to share his quirky and heartfelt acoustic compositions. (We say go and see the guy sometime, he’s a dynamo on stage, smart and funny with that special deadpan humour the only a Brummie can pull off.) We investigated his approach to songwriting. He keeps a notebook, OK it’s a computer file - this is the century of the fruit bat after all-, noting down fragments for lyrics and tunes and letting them mulch down until a song emerges - sometimes quickly, sometimes after a drawn out period of incubation. Sometimes, he says, depression can wear down his creativity but making music can really help in getting through the harder days.
We chatted too about the complex relationship between musicians and photographers and the challenges of capturing fast moving performers under the dim lights typical of most pubs. Here’s his advice to photographers, based on tons of practical experience.Firstly, take lots of pictures and narrow them down to the best when you get home. Secondly, build a rapport with the act but be careful not to get in their face on stage.
To check out the sessions Ian runs, click ‘Sessions’ on the menu. New acoustic acts are always welcome. Just get in touch and book your slot! If you're looking for a photographer, you can find him in the listings under the “Services” menu.