It's very cool being in a band in San Diego.

I thought I would take a break from the "How I came to live in the USA" blog, but check back soon because I definitely plan to finish it.

I played a show last night at U31 in San Diego with the super talented Veronica May. I am very lucky to have been in her band for over a year now. Veronica won the "Best Acoustic Act" at the 2008 San Diego Music Awards, and she is nominated again this year as well. (I believe that the only people to have won it twice in a row are Jewel and Jason Mraz). She has a very unique style, and I would definitely encourage you to check out her music either on my own MySpace page, or Veronica's MySpace page. The official Veronica May and the To Do List website is on the way, so please look out for it!

The great thing about playing for Veronica is that as a drummer, the music is very challenging, and there is never a dull a moment. Also, I am very fortunate to play with (aside from Veronica), some very talented musicians in Jeff Johnson (bass) and Megan Jane (guitar). Along with PJ Phillips and Steve Giles, Jeff is probably one of the most solid and melodic bass players I have had the pleasure of working with. Megan is a local music superstar by all accounts, and was recently (and very deservedly) featured in the local news. Check out this link to see the article! We will be releasing our first studio album in December 2009, on Kings Ransom Records of San Diego.

So, to return to my theme; it is very cool being in a band in San Diego. Most of the venues here come complete with a decent stage area, a good sound system, and more often then not, a sound engineer. In London, it's pretty hit and miss with regard to this. There is a popular misconception that playing the London music scene is the be all and end all of being in a band. Well, I have to tell you that playing in San Diego is much better. Not only are the facilities better, but the audiences are also better. The chances of playing in front of a decent crowd in London on a Wednesday night are not very good at all, whereas last night; U31 was packed with a great crowd who had come specifically to listen to good local live music.

There is also, I have noticed, a really good camaraderie among the local musicians here. It is a big scene, but everyone seems to know each other. Most musicians (like Jeff and Megan) are in several bands, and I wonder how they actually manage to do all of the rehearsals and shows while fitting in the other important things - you know; hanging out with boyfriends or girlfriends, eating and sleeping...

Last night, I had to smile to myself. After we finished our set, we loaded the drums straight out of the load-in door to the street where I proceeded to pack down my equipment. It was around 1130pm, 82 degrees, and a beautiful San Diego evening. I couldn't help thinking about the number of times I have been soaked to death running my equipment down the slippery London streets (and that's just the Summer!). I do miss playing in London, but I love playing in San Diego. I'd even take it over playing the strip in Hollywood, which is fun, but hugely overrated.

So, if you are local, come out and catch a Veronica May and the To Do List show soon, or look out for our album on iTunes, CD Baby etc, hopefully from December 2009. Details of CD release party to come! While you're at it why not sign up to be a friend of VMTDL on Facebook? Thanks for reading. Stay tuned.