I don’t use social media anymore (for more info see a previous post, from October 2020, about how I think it will lead to the end of civilisation as we know it - maybe it already has…) I’ve decided to title my blog posts with the kind of pithy rubbish that I would have probably posted on Facebook or twitter had I still been feeding those vast containers of ego and hate. That said, I’ll probably do it this once and then realise it’s a terrible idea, but that’s all part of the creative process isn’t it kids…
I had an interesting week last week. On Monday I passed my PhD viva with minor corrections (examined by Professor Ross Sinclair and Professor Andrew Hewitt). I think it’s perfectly acceptable for me to be momentarily proud of myself for that one. It’s taken me about 5 years, part-time, and I’ve done it via the ‘by-publication’ route. If any of you are reading this and considering doing the same thing or just wondering what on-earth I’m talking about, I’m very happy to have a chat about it. Just send me an email. Anyway, I digress…
The week started with that, then by Wednesday I was having one of the worst days I’ve ever had whilst teaching in H.E. I’ll spare you the details, but those 72 hours were an almost perfect window on to H.E. life - the highs and lows of the profession, particularly for someone so firmly partly-in-and-partly-out (my contract is 0.4). Then I opened my emails today to find a thread from concerned colleagues across the West Midlands, as the government has just announced (and is consulting on) their intention to halve funding to arts courses (including the likes of art and design, music, media studies) as they don’t fall within their ‘strategic priorities’. Here’s a Musicians Union article with a link to the consultation.
In honesty, it’s no great surprise, is it. The fundamental lack of appreciation and understanding of/for the arts from this UK government is plain for all to see (even their seeming total lack of understanding as to the arts key role in the UK economy. Not that it’s all about money, but all the same…) It’s also the pace at which this halving of funding is potentially coming in to effect - 2021-2022 - so, essentially, immediately. Take a look at that consultation document and formulate a response if you get the chance. You’ve got until May 6th… (GO!)
Then, changing direction completely, I’ve had the pleasure of watching the documentary ‘Sound of Scars’ a couple of times this week. It's everything a good documentary should be - interesting, compelling, moving, educational, exhilarating, fun. I’ve a personal interest in it as it’s about the band Life of Agony, who I’ve liked for a very long time, and whose guitarist, Joey Z, kindly worked with me on a small project that formed part of my PhD submission (see how all this fits together?…) It’s really a great film - partly about the history of the band, but also focussing heavily on the incredible journey of their singer, Mina Caputo, who came out as transgender in 2011 and has been transitioning since. They’re a great band and she’s an extraordinary individual, so I’d highly recommend it if you get the chance to see it.
Finally, towards the end of the film, up popped a Life of Agony mega fan (as often happens in these docs) by the name of Phil Able. This was totally unexpected to me, as I’ve known Phil for the best part of 30 years from when we were all part of an amazing North Kent music scene together, but it’s one of those friendships where for the last 20 of those 30 years we’ve just kind of known where each other are and that each other are ok. (Is that a friendship? Personally, I think so, as I’d still class Phil as a friend. Is there an amount of time you need to spend with someone on a regular basis for them to still qualify as a friend? Does anyone care?) Anyway, I had/have a phone number for Phil, but no idea if it was current, so texted him to say how nice it was to see his face appear on my TV and, today, we had the first phone call we’ve had in more than a decade. Phil’s still a musician and you can hear one of his bands, Silverkord, here.
And I’ll leave it there for now.