I had my annual check up at the ear nose and throat surgeon to check
my vocal chords today. I know that sounds nuts, but considering I've built a career
around an essential piece of physical equipment that is the result of D.N.A
lottery is not lost on me. It's amazing how those two tiny pieces of skin no bigger
than a thumb nail have given me so many opportunities. So understandably
you always want to know they're in good shape!



I'm happy to say they are fine and dandy.

It's gross though - I don't know if anyone here is a singer or has ever seen or
had to go through the procedure - but it involves placing a fiber optic camera
down your airways. This is done via a long thin tube like instrument that
is placed UP YOUR NOSE and then travels through the nasal passages,
down the throat and peeks into the voice box.
The surgeon can then see your vocal folds and tell immediately if they show any sign
of damage. But it feels disgusting lol.
Here's a fantastic spiffy diagram. No, this is not my genitals. But this will give you
an idea of what I do for you ;)




It's every singer's nightmare waiting for the thumbs up.
And I'm relieved to hear things are great each time. But it always makes me so
grateful when I leave. I want to click my heels and start tap dancing down
the street.


There's so much stuff going on behinds the scenes in my little world at
the moment. I wish I could tell you more - but it all involves future music
from me. I think some time this year I might start working on writing new music
for my next album - but it won't come out any time soon. If I manage to finish recording
a new album it wouldn't come out until sometime in 2010. But it's nice to know or share
that I'm at least marinading the idea.

In the meantime I've been working
with a few labels here in the UK penning possible songs for some of their
artists. It's never ever set in stone - so I don't talk about it much unless
it's 100% confirmed. None of it is but if someone records one of my songs
I'll shout it from the rooftops, don't worry! If nothing else it's been a fun exercise.

I'm off to Sweden next week to do some writing there, and then off to the U.S
in Spring on a trip for more song tinkering.

Finally, the news I've been dying to tease you about more is that I'm almost 99.% sure
I'm doing a New Years Eve show in London this year.
It will be my only live public performance this year. More news and let's face it, needless
teasing, when I have more deets.

What am I listening to at the moment..
I dig the U2 record big time.
I like the Lady Ga Ga record. I'm obsessed with Just Jack's single 'Embers'. I think it's genius.
I thought the Brits were dull.
I thought the Academy Awards were amazing (due mostly to Hugh Jackman).
I feel slightly sad for and yet intrigued about Michael Jackson's concerts coming up. Mostly because I feel like
every ounce of joy and life was sucked out of him by the tabloids and money grubbing thieves years
ago and he looked today .. I don't know.. it just made me sad for him. But he still fascinates me. I wish sometimes just being
great, no AMAZING once was enough to satisfy the public.

MmmmmK I've rambled on enough.
Just wanted to since I haven't properly for a while.

Big loads of love to you and yours.

xxD