Stay Strong (I'll Be Your Guide) NEW SINGLE by Justin Curran OUT NOW

 Stay Strong (I'll Be Your Guide) Official Music Video

I started writing the lyrics for this song around May / June 2018 as part of the MFR Recordings where I was laying down demos for these releases. I was back in touch with one of my best friends who I guess I was reaching out to without knowing it. I was going through a bit of a rough patch and needed a bit of grounding. My best way of grounding myself is by going into the recording studio and working on recordings. I guess the message behind this one is that no matter how low our mood is we still have love, comfort and support in life, just accept the good, accept the love, and leave negativity behind. 

So in May 2018 I left home and went back to Ireland for a period. I wrote an entire album in a few weeks, my mind was pushing songs out. I went into the studio to demo the songs - I am forgetful so if I don't lay down my ideas they get lost in my foggy brain. This was the 3rd or 4th day in the studio when I laid the first version of the tune:

 Studio Demo Version

I was happy with this version but I wanted to add to it. 

Fast forward to Lockdown #53 and I had my own studio in the alps, and around November 2021 I sent out an email to Ben Gordelier (drummer for The Moons/Paul Weller) and asked if he would add drums etc to the song. Ben and I struck up a good chat about the song and withing 24 hours of me sending him my 2nd rough version I had all the drum / percussion / bass and acoustic parts from Ben's home studio emailed across to me. 

I like songs to build themselves and I've grown to love the studio process of recording songs, and I have to say that Ben's subtle drumming and the easy way in which we communicated regarding the song really blew my away. I spoke to producer Adam Bradbury about mixing and mastering the song, and after a few versions and variations back and forth we came up with the single at the top. We ended up adding a 8 part harmony in the chorus and adding in some hammond organ for the song. Adam added some very subtle guitar parts and his own Adam Bradbury (Stay Strong Choir). 

Great work Ben & Adam - I love it!

I love this final version. Find the links below (I'll add more links to other streaming services as they go live))

Stay Strong (I'll Be Your Guide) on Spotify

Stay Strong (I'll Be Your Guide) iTunes

Stay Strong (I'll Be Your Guide) YouTube Music

JC xxx

The JC & JL Show Episode 221

Episode 221 of The JC & JL Show premieres tonight. To watch just follow the link below. This week’s show has: #comedy #Entertainment #countrymusic #monologuechallenge #coversongs #riddleoftheweek #SingleOfTheMonth #RickyTheRiddler The show premieres at 1830 tonight (GMT) https://youtu.be/8TptYm-Q_4w

January 2020 Release: Lost in Space

Lost in Space is a song written about an incident in my 20s, it's a story like all my songs. At school I was best mates with Peter Dunphy, who was a very talented film director, he was always with camera in hand and we became inseparable for a while. He was funny, always made me laugh, and we went to every gig possible, and enjoyed going to the pub on any night of the week. A good night out was one where we tried to figure out what had happened the night before.

On one particular occasion we bumped into each other early in the afternoon and went for a few pints which meant we had a liquid dinner.  Peter was writing a feature length film and had his notebooks with him containing all of his notes for the script/scenes and characters. Unfortunately, Peter mislaid this book over the course of our afternoon in Katy Dalys Pub, and, most likely, The Limelight afterwards. I remember him calling the next morning asking if I had the notebook .... unfortunately I didn't, but our drunkenness did inspire me to write this song: (click on the link to listen to it on Spofity) - if you don't have Spotify it is also on iTunes and all other streaming services.

Lost in Space  (Spotify Link)
Lost In Space - iTunes

When I moved to Jersey I asked a mate of mine to film the Music Video for it. We shot the music video in various locations in Jersey with some of Jersey's best actors, who belong to the Jersey Arts Centre. This studio version was a lot of fun recording in The Nerve Centre, Derry with Takehi Folumoritu on guitar, Paul Davies on harmonica and Terry Woods on drums, myself on vocals and bass. In the video Omar 'Blondie' Somar plays on Cajon with Alex Bealey on Slide.

There were various Live versions of this song over the years. I remember jamming this with The Loony Tunes Band - Matthew Romeril playing lead guitar, Adam Routier on bass guitar, Karl Everett on drums; it was the best version of this song, however, unfortunately we never recorded it - maybe one day!!

Lost in Space - Officlal Music Video

I hope you enjoy having a listen folks!!

Justin xx

End of 2019

2019 .... a year that saw me touring in Germany, Switzerland, France, Ireland and the USA. I've met some great people, musicians and played in some incredible venues. Having spent a few months in the studio in 2018, I released the first song 'Beautiful You' in the summer of 2019. Beautiful You is a song inspired by how we see a deep love story. Love is a continuing journey that we experience on our various paths in life. Which is the right path? Do we trust ourselves on that path? At which point do we let our loved one see inside our soul? The good and the bad? How long does it take for your heart to mend? I asked a friend, Abby Churchill, a model from Marbella who I had previously worked with on quite a few fashion shoots, to be the cover for the single, and I am so pleased that she agreed to be on the cover. You can hear the single here:

Beautiful You on Spotify

Over the course of the year I spent some time in France. I lived in Lyon (quite a few years ago) and at the time I was playing bass for a touring trad folk band and in 2019, by pure chance I kept randomly bumping into Martin Drozd, a multi-instrumentalist - but a phenomenal violinist; who I had gigged with many years before.  As well as playing many instruments he also is a producer so when it came to recording my Christmas single 'The Flickering Candle' I was pleased to work with him in the studio. The result is exactly what I had heard when I originally wrote this song many years ago.

The Flickering Candle on Spotify

So now we look to 2020 .... what's it gonna bring musically? I'm going to be doing a solo theatre tour in the USA, where I'll be promoting songs from both albums 'The Lonely Stroll' and 'The Light Shines Through The Darkness'. I'll be releasing one single a month for the year of 2020. These songs will be across all streaming sites when released.

I'm very pleased to announce that I'll be working with a fantastic Denver based PR Company and we've got a great schedule planned for the year, and we'll be announcing quite a lot of exciting news over the course of 2020. Keep your eyes peeled.

Check in tomorrow afternoon when I'll be announcing the next single.

Now I'm off to get ready to celebrate a belated Christmas festivities with my kids.

Don't forget to follow on:

Twitter: @curransolomusic

Instagram: @curransolomusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/curransolomusic

YouTube: Justin Curran Official

Spotify: Follow Justin Curran on Spotify

I wish you all the very best for 2020. Thank you all for a fantastic 2019!

Spread the love folks xxxx

The Flickering Candle - Christmas Single

The Flickering Candle 

The lone candle flickers in the window

As we sit down by the open fire 

Children laughing with sheer delight 

While outside I can hear the people's choir 

We're gonna spread the love through good spirit and cheer

This Christmas let's see the love hanging in the air 

We're gonna spread the love this Christmas,

Happiness and joy this Christmas let's see the love spreading everywhere 

They're singing about the end of hunger 

Spreading peace to one and all at this time of year 

Spreading words of love and happiness 

I love to hold my loved ones so near 

We're gonna spread the love through good spirit and cheer

This Christmas let's see the love hanging in the air 

We're gonna spread the love this Christmas,

Happiness and joy together 

Family celebrations everywhere 

We're gonna spread the love through good spirit and cheer

This Christmas let's see the love hanging in the air 

We're gonna spread the love this Christmas,

Happiness and joy together 

Family celebrations evenrywhere 

We're gonna spread the love through good spirit and cheer

This Christmas let's see the love hanging in the air 

We're gonna spread the love this Christmas,

Happiness and joy together 

Family celebrations everywhere 

Family celebrations everywhere 

Family celebrations everywhere 

To hear this song please click on the following link: 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3ZT1BipXfUkp0wj9UOj9Rv?si=Lp7OSBesQluWDb-2XLJfgw

I wrote this song as part of the BBC Christmas Radio show in Jersey several years ago. I guess I was in a reflective mode. Christmas is always a lovely time of year, stealing Owen's song title there! I loved Christmas when I was younger. We always had a great time as a family.

 Having just gone through a divorce I was thinking how my kids would miss out on a united family Christmas. I resolved that my kids would enjoy Christmas each and every year regardless of our situation. I want them to feel the love I have for them, feel the joy that I received the moment I held each one of them for the first time ever. A reminder of the promise I made them that day, that we would create a lifetime of memories together. 

This is for:

My 3 children - Ocean, Niamh and Dylan. 

Families everywhere. 

Communities everywhere. 

You, Me, All of Us. 

The Wolfhound, Haarlem

So here we are. I know I've been dreadful at keeping this an updated blog. No excuse but ...... well no excuse!!

So I arrived in The Netherlands yesterday afternoon. Went to the venue in Haarlem, about 22 km north of Amsterdam. Good old Google maps provided the directions to the venue, The Wolfhound, situated in the centre of Haarlem. Upon leaving the station I noticed there was a great vibe in Haarlem. I met with the owners Phil and Fay, and they were wonderful hosts! They run a lovely venue, with food to die for - Phil is an excellent chef, and the menu in this Gastro-Pub is testament to that fact. We had a few drinks and chat before sound check.

The gretsch sounded beautiful.

The setlist consisted of Johnny Cash, Neil Young and Bob Dylan covers as well as songs from my debut album The Lonely Stroll and latest songs from The Light Shines Through The Darkness.

Wonderful hosts, wonderful crowd & wonderful night.

I'll be back at The Wolfhound tonight.

Peace & Love

Justin

Guitare En Scène

So as you know I played a few gigs in Made In Davanod in Bellgarde in November and December. The owner of the atelier is a volunteer for the Guitare En Scène music festival, and invited me to come and play at the evening organised for the committee members, volunteers and directors. I played 2 sets of songs. The first set of songs were covers which included the following:

1. Billy Jean 
2. Light My Fire 
3. Dancin In The Dark
4. Fly Me To The Moon 
5. Come Together 
6. Heart Of Gold 
7. Brown Eyed Girl 
8. Old Man 

You can hear this set by clicking on the following link : https://youtu.be/NL1xwuitGOs

It went down very well and I think it was a good way to start off the gig, as it gave the committee a preview of my style of playing. 

The second set was a set of original songs from my album The Light Shines Through The Darkness. The originals went down a storm and I have found the correct set to ensure that the journey flows! The response was really good and I was even taken out to dinner afterwards, lovely Italian restaurant!! The second set can be heard by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/2sGjWUMFaTk

The setlist for this Second Set are as follows: 

1. Throwin Myself Right In 
2. Image of Beauty 
3. The Darkness Fades 
4. Stay Strong  - I'll Be Your Guide 
5. Same 
6. Live In The Now
7. The Eviction Song 
8. 
   

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to play last night. 

The line-up for this year is outstanding!!!! 

See you all in July

J xxx 

The Barkett 14/01/19

https://youtu.be/CeKDUwMkByc

The above link provides footage of the gig at The Barkett

Unfortunately the multi-stage cameras were not working last night due to a technical hitch .... tis the Modern World! But that didn't put me off at all. Just put the tablet in far corner and filmed from the back! 

This was the first official gig with the Takamine G-Series 6 string that I bought in Lyon whilst the Beast (Gretsch 12 string falcon) is having some repairs done. I think the Takamine sounded great! We decided to mic it up with a Rode NT-5 microphone and it picked up the tone beautifully. Must say I am enjoying playing the 6 string, I've been a 12 string player for quite some time!

It was great to be the feature act at The Barkett- I love this venue, the owner is a lovely guy and the bar staff are really nice and accommodating. I played virtually every song from the new album, The Light Shines Through The Darkness, and really enjoyed playing them live, raw and acoustic, stripped back and laid bare! The crowd were warm, a mixture of Berliners and expats from Tenerife, Alabama, Chicago and Denver. They listened, chatted and appreciated the songs.

I have to say I do love the atmosphere in Berlin, the music scene is vibrant, some extremely talented performers taking to the stage.

Well done one and all, and Thank you Michael for welcoming me to The Barkett.

Until next time .....

Tonight ... Lagari!

First of 2019

Well folks here we are in 2019, the start of the new year, has the darkness faded? Let's say with the music that I write and perform.... it is fading. I am working on the progression towards the light .... but I'll get there!

So last few weeks I was home, seeing family and friends for the holidays. It was lovely catching up with family. I checked out an amazing band whilst home The High Lonesome - what an amazing band. Each and every song blew me away, with incredible vocals, intricate guitar licks, bass riffs where sweet! But what blew me away about this group- they had a steel guitar player! It was amazing, sweet and melodic! I couldn't get enough of it! Cant wait to see these guys playing again and hopefully play on the same bill. 

I played quite a bit with the legend that it Tani Neumann! LEGEND! He plays double bass, mandolin, cello, viola, the donkey jaw bone! Goodness a pleasure to play, jam and gig with this fella! We played quite a bit over the hols, and at the Sunflower Open Mic. 

So now, have arrived in the vibrant city of Berlin. Note to self.... on cheap flights just book a seat for the guitar!!! It was cheaper than putting in the hold! 

Am playing The Barkett tonight and it goes out live on The Barkett's Facebook and YouTube channels.

Enjoy- I'll fire up a link tomorrow! 

Peace and love folks: 

J XX 

Last Days of Darkness Fades Tour

Hey peeps,

Wow! What a trip! This has been the trip of a lifetime. A tour where my darkness has faded. There are still elements there which come to the surface from time to time, but such is life. The dark side that lingers within is what makes me who I am. It drives my creative side and pushes it, but it no longer is at the forefront of my mind. The last few years have driven me to the edge, but the power of music, of songwriting, of composing and recording has driven it out. It's a therapy of sorts. Ridding the self of those daily crushing moments.

Thoughts of tour .....

I have been blown away by the reception of the audiences. Starting in Amsterdam 4 months ago ..... I remember it like yesterday. The nerves before the opening show. The reception of the audience who loved the performance. From Amsterdam to Berlin - wow! What a cool city! Here I met the most amazing musicians who were so welcoming at all the amazing venues that the city has to offer. From Berlin to Horlandz to Hamburg - Beatles Platz, playing in front of a random crowd of people who sang along with each song at the top of their voices. Another moment blown away. From Hanburg back to Berlin, home of the Dead Sea Captain,  and onto Paris.... well .... no words but strolling around the city on a rare day off was a highlight of the weekend. From Paris back to Berlin - that place is like a magnet!

Upon leaving Berlin I spent a wonderful evening in Rennes, France. My hosts were wonderful, very welcoming with the most comfy bed! It definitely beat the backseat of a bus! A couple of days in St Malo playing at the Route du Rhum festival before heading to Jersey, where I had a great time with the kids. And played a couple of nice relaxing open mic gigs.

Since leaving Jersey in November, I have played in Lyon, Annecy, Chanay, Chamonix, Bellegarde and Geneva.

Some big thanks here to firstly the venue owners who have put up with me over, and welcomed me to their audiences. The Chanay Crew for providing laughter when I needed it most. You all know who you are. Thank you to the various hotels that put me up, and provided guidance on the best things to do in each city. Thank you to the drivers, am the worst sat-nav in the world so am glad you were able to find the way each and every time. A huge thank you to my management team, you deserve an award! Huge thanks to the fellow musicians who joined me on stage over this tour. You guys are amazing and I have a huge respect for you all! Thank you to www.wilsoncreative.co.uk for the fantastic work on the EP on CD and to www.lathetothegrave.co.uk for the amazing 7" vinyl. Finally, the audiences who have listened, who have enjoyed the gigs, without your attendance I wouldn't be able to express the feelings and thoughts that have been written into each song!

Best memory?

I'd have to be honest and say it's an amalgamation of all the times I played the single The Darkness Fades. There is a raw emotion in this song and the lyrics always take me on a journey. I find this song so powerful, depending on my mood it can be played quite softly with the rhythm swaying the emotion. But at times, the emotion is stripped back and I play the song with venom, anger and spitting out the lyrics, in a spirit of relief. That's the beauty of this song it kicks me in the heart, and I have to find the expression from within.

Thank you to everyone I've met on this wonderful trip.

I'll play a sneaky Belfast gig .....

Then it's back on the road on 13 January with a return to Berlin - the Barkett on 14 January!

Cheers guys,

Love J

Xx

My Son, My Joker, My Padawan

My Son, My Joker, My Padawan

words by Justin Curran 

Will you know me
When I see you again
Do you know of the effort I've made
And the letters I've sent

Not a day goes by
When your not in my thoughts
I miss holding your hold
And the smile and pride that brought

I don't want you to struggle
To think I've let you down
You are always in my heart
Deep down my heart is buried in the sand

I love your sweet innocent smile
When you asked if we can be best friends
Of course we are my son, my Joker, my Padawan
Best of the best until the bitter end

I haven't walked away
I just need to find me
I need to be the best father
You are a huge part of my journey

This is so very hard
Cos I miss you so much
But I'm always here for you
Just beyond touch

Please know I'll always be here
Never too far from you
I only wish I could hear your voice
And I'd tell you how much I love you

But that time will come
When I'll hold your hand
I'll continue to write to you
One day you'll understand

I love you my Joker, my Padawan, my Son

xx xx

Johnny Walsh's Pub - Vieux Lyon

Hey folks,

When this tour was booked and I knew I would be near Lyon, it only made sense that I would spend a night on the stage at Johnny Walsh's Pub in Vieux Lyon. I last played there 17 and half years ago. It was like stepping back in time, and there was a great atmosphere there.

I was accompanied by Martin, a local musician who I played with in a band all those years ago playing festivals all over France! He accompanied me on lead guitar and backing vocals, and his percussionist joined us on the Cajon. The songs took on a life of their own on stage with these two jamming along. The Darkness Fades, Stay Strong  - I'll Be Your Guide and Lost in Space were well received by the audience.

Amazing memories being made on this tour! Don't want it to end!

To hear these songs coming alive was simply amazing!

Thank you guys!

J xx

Friday & Saturday gigs in Switzerland & Francs

On Friday I played in Geneva, amazing city, very welcoming and the crowd was wonderful. The set went down really well, I really enjoyed playing and let out the stresses which were building up. My poor guitar felt the passion whilst I was playing and unfortunately by the last song I was down to 10 strings as opposed to 12! Fantastic end to the gig, where I was bought espresso and chocolates by couple of audience members.

Last night, Saturday, I collaborated on the opening of a photography exhibition in Made in Davanod, Bellegarde. The atmosphere was amazing from the beginning! Marc Sanche Photographe was launching his photographic exhibition, the photos are simply stunning. Some night time photos, some self-portraits expressing the dark side of the mind, and he has some incredible silhouette style urban photos. He's a very talented young photographer who doesn't have any inhibitions in explorimg his style. This guy has a good future ahead of him. If you are in the area this exhibition lasts until end of February at Made in Davanod. These photos are all for sale ... tempted to buy one! It was a pleasure playing the opening of your exhibition - being a photographer myself I'm really impressed! Well done!

The gig was great. 3 x 45 minute sets, the audience were interested in the story behind the songs and understood as I explained the concept behind the album. Playing with the light and dark side of the mind. Where there's darkness you can find light, where there's light darkness can be around the corner. Due to my mood yesterday The Darkness Fades was played with a blind fury and by the time I finished the song I was drenched in sweat, and the venue was silent listening to the word. After finishing I felt a sigh of relief from deep within and during the first interval CDs and Vinyls were being sold at the merch stall.

Thank you to the hosts at Made in Davanod - I can't wait to come back and play this venue again soon! Thank you to Marc Sanche, you are a very talented individual! And finally, thank you to s wonderful, attentive, warm audience!

J xx

Lyon ...... a trip down my musical memory lane.

I lived in Lyon nearly 20 years ago. I spent a year teaching English as a foreign language at the Lycée Condorcet in St Priest. It was a great experience living in Lyon and I've cherished those memories over the years. A university friend of mine, Damien, was living in Bourg en Bresse outside Lyon and he used to travel down to Lyon at weekends. We had heard of this pub Johnny Walsh's in Vieux Lyon where I was living and we needed some Guinness. We stumbled upon Johnny Walsh's one Saturday evening and the owner Adrian aka 'Yer Man Ado', was playing. His style was amazing, real folky, blues and trad. I joined him for a few songs. I ended up as his bass player. I played some solo gigs as well at Johnny Walsh's that year, and at L'Antidote (also on Rue St Georges). We also played a load of festivals in the alps that summer of 2000, a few of which have given me great memories over the years. It was great I gigged virtually every Friday and Saturday night when I was there, sometimes solo, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes with the Johnny Walsh's Pub Band on bass. I think the great thing about Ado was that he taught me strumming techniques on the guitar, which I still use to this day.

I visited all the old haunts yesterday and amazing how it all comes back to you. I knew every street, every nook and cranny. The top photo shows Place Bellecour, the statue and the ever impressive Fourvière up above. I lived in a studio apartment 2 streets away from Fourvière, and it brought back the greatest memories.

To top it off I played an absolute blinder, and sold a few CD singles. Now to spend the day testing these 2 harmonicas!

I'll be back in Lyon next Wednesday and I can't wait.