Well hello there!

It’s been a while my bloggy chum(s)… we have been very lazy figs indeed. We left you alone for a while but now we need you to summon your strength once again, click the mouse and read some slightly drunk, pot-bellied meanderings… and maybe come to a gig or two.

So what’s been going on since Christmas – the last time any new content worked it’s way out of our fingers and onto the wobble-u-wobble-u-wobble-u? Read on MacDuff!

Village People

The 30th December gig at the Village in Leith was a brilliant night. Good skills (as monsiuer le hooverfish would say) to those of you who made it, see you next year to those who didn’t! We had excellent support from Gerton Govers and the chaotic, mighty and late (grrr..) Dead Beat Club. I joined them to ruin their set and therefore ensure that we appeared even more glorious when the time came to Fig.

Most of the assembled audience (that’s you guys) seemed to enjoy it and since they even bothered to show up, most were invited when we removed to my abode apres gig to consummate the evening’s entertainment with a “Pass the Guitar” session that has my downstairs neighbours in Ninja Karaoke mode every Friday night since – so’s I learn my lesson I suppose! (Sorry Gwen!)

My wee boy Murphy even got up at 4am to join in (shyly at first – he’s only just 3 years old! Aww! Hope social services don’t read this).

A top, top, night. Andy Tucker gave up drinking for a month afterwards. He was drinking actual pint glasses of Gin and Tonic though, kindly provided by my darling wife, Jennifer. Not sure why she was trying to burst his liver. Perhaps she thought was entertaining the ghost of Mr. Oliver Reed?

After that, the first “dry” Hogmanay in nigh on 20 years was witnessed in the Paton and Tucker households. ROCK, and indeed, ROLL.

The biggest shout out of the evening though indesputably goes to the 3 hardy souls who sat through our sound check and me swearing and stressing about Andy and crew being late and then liked us enough (or were drunk enough) to want more! They stayed to the end of our set and I have only just managed to et around to adding them to our mailing list – they’re probably sitting at home right now going “who the f**k are Hoochie Fig?”. Never mind. Fig love to you guys anyway!

The Other Stuff That Happened Since Christmas

The Album

We have managed to nearly finish 7 out of the 11 songs for our album, due out whenever we get it finished! We have struggled with self-doubt, “psycho-aural impairments”, and a variety of recording locations so far. Things are sounding really nice though and the Fig are pleased with the ripening fruits of our labours. The man known as Andy the Cellist has been instrumental (if you’ll pardon the rather cheap pun) in helping us realise our ambitions for a couple of tracks so big up Andy!

Other peeps who have assisted us so far, besides the aforementioned Andy, include: Paul Gilbody (double bass), Ewan Beck (electric bass) and Hooverfish (drum programming, light engineering, spare ears). Shouts to them too!

New Songs

As if there isn’t enough to do, some new songs have also been written since the turn of the year. It’s one thing you just can’t stop – like when Tim opens a fresh pack of McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives!

So since I wrote ‘em and then showed them off at a wee Songwriter’s slagathon some pals and I had, I thought I’d share them with the readership. Have a wee gander at the links below and let us know what you think. One of them’ll be on the album (it’s been partially recorded already). Some of this is work in prgress, so comments please.

-> Stain Training (working title)

-> Out of This Will Come Sunshine

Old Songs

We have resurrected an ancient song entitled “Can’t Rely On Men”. It’s been rehearsed and shows all the potential of becoming yet another Fig classic. Rearranged and gently coaxed back into life by the genius of “Fygnamics”, we look forward to presenting it to you at our next gig (spot the segue!)…

GIGS – Yes, that’s right, GIGS!

We have managed to drag ourselves away from the mixing desks and headphones and home poured fine malt whisky for 2 gigs in April. Typically, they’re on two consecutive days. We’re calling it a Mini tour, since it involves playing in two quite separate geographical locations.

So it’s off to Peebles on Saturday 19th April for Fondoo at the Eastgate Theatre (doors 8pm). Also on the bill are the excellent Kristian Labak and the mighty, superlative, groove inducting, 3 piece: Gecko 3. Aaaiiiiight! Come tae Peebles, it’s braw! If you get there in the afternoon, you can have cream teas in the town and browse a vast selection of knitwear and textiles. Lovely.

Then to Hamilton’s in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, on Sunday 20th April, for a set at Kerbside Prophets – an excellent early evening musical showcase that coerces musicians into touting their wares in return for some free beer and scran. Chris, you are a genius! We’re on at 6pm. Come along. Bring the kids (it’s kid friendly too). After all, Sunday is by far the best night of the week to go out and have a few wee jars – it’s sooo naughty!

Thinking about firing up to Spectrum 08_v1 afterwards (at the Queen’s Hall) for a bit of post gig relaxation…

Et Fin

Ok. If you got as far as this bit, I bet you’re tired out. I could go on all night, being that I’m stranded in one of the plushest hotels in Dublin with a belly fool of Thai food and Erdinger Weissbier, but I won’t. Hope you enjoyed this post and by the time you finish reading it, the pesky gigs will be but a dusty memory and you’ll be desperate to buy our album.

Nice one!

K to the F I G