Girl Friday's Debut Album

(Photo by Sophie Timothy Photography)(Image design by Karen Adlam)

I began my current stint as a singer/songwriter in 2013 when I decided to give myself a challenge to learn and record an out of copyright song every Friday. I called it The Girl Friday Public Domain Project. Soon I began writing my own songs and my performance name became shortened to Girl Friday. This names captures the essence of the songs that I write. The songs that are reminiscent of a bygone era; songs that are all at once romantic, melancholic, strong, gentle, acerbic and sweet. Songs borne out of a longing for the simple with an acceptance of the complicated. Songs that strive to capture the often contradictory human condition with humour and grace.

This is an album of which I am proud. I don't say that lightly. I have been playing many of these songs for a few years now and they are like friends. That is why it has been so important that they be recorded in such a way that reflects their true character. Not too smooth and sparkly but not too rough and ready.

The result from recording with Rohan Watson has been amazing. He has been wonderful to work with and known exactly how to get the best out of me. Mixing of the songs has begun and you can hear the first single 'Damaged Heart' below.

Many, many other people have been instrumental (pun absolutely intended) in making this happen.  They include, but are not limited to, Ashley Jones (violin), James Kemp (bass), Andrew Tanner (double bass), Matt Dixon (pedal steel), Brendan Gray (piano), Bob Hutchison (electric guitar), Trevor Bryan Cotton (drums) and the wonderful group of ladies that contributed backing vocals - Jane Cameron, Jane Hilson, Edi Valentina, Joyce Prescher, Peny Bohan and Maja. So far these people have largely given their time and expertise freely. I would like to pay them at least a little of what they are worth.

Where recording began at 'Hello Studios' in Croydon

Ashley Jones on violin (photo by Brendan Bonsack)

The wonderful choir of sass recording backing vocals

The single launch at The Retreat, Brunswick (photo by Django Upton)

Bob Hutchison on electric guitar (photo by Django Upton)

Rohan Watson and Matt Dixon

I would also like to spend some money on publicity to ensure that my music gets to the hearts and minds that will enjoy it most. The fabulous Clare Bligh is the woman for the job. The money raised will go towards a publicist (Clare herself), radio advertising, print media, postering, merchandise (thanks to Karen Adlam) and a film clip.

There are also the production costs of mastering and pressing. Then there's the dream of getting some vinyl pressed but that might be a story for another time.

What I am offering you is essentially a pre-order of the album along with some other rewards. There will be merch galore, house concerts and more!

Where will your money go?

Personnel = $1500

Mastering = $500

CD pressing = $1150

Publicity = $1850