February Album Writing Month - FAWM.ORG

Calum Carlyle (@calumcarlyle)

progress: 6

joined: January 28 2009
location: City of Edinburgh, UK
website: www.calumcarlyle.co.uk
influences: Too many to mention, from Nick Drake to Hendrix, From Mountain to Franz Ferdinand, From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Salif Keita to MC5 and Monster Magnet. Also: Explosions In The Sky, mayhew, Sigur Ros, Garmarna, Smashing Pumpkins, Towering Inferno, Grand Funk, Jacques Loussier, Huge Baby, Dream City Film Club, John Renbourn, Porcupine Tree, Traffic, Kraftwerk, Radiohead, Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, Fleetwood Mac, Television, Lamb, Flying Saucer Attack, The Beatles, Ali Farka Toure, Sufjan Stevens, The Black Keys, Vanilla Fudge, Kula Shaker, Echobelly, Finlay Quaye, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Turlough O'Carolan, Deep Purple, Elvis Costello, The Beatles, Sileas, Love, Ben Harper, Matt Norris and The Moon, iliketrains, Withered Hand, Sigur Ros, and many more

Bio

I love playing music, singing and writing songs. I am too busy to really do much of it this FAWM though, sorry. I will be listening for everyone else's (well nearly everyone else's!) efforts though, with great anticipation.
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Update: my shoulder's ok enough that i can play music now it seems!

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update from a few weeks ago:
so now i have painfully injured my right shoulder! i won't be playing any music for a while anyway. hey, why not check out www.calumcarlyle.co.uk instead while i recover, because that's the only place my songs can be heard for the next wee while! :-0 and that's on top of my roof blowing off, and the rain coming in and all the insurance hassles... nope, too busy to FAWM sadly (well, there are definitely one or two who will celebrate that fact, but whatever... life's too short to worry about that sort of thing.)
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I have some CDs/albums/collections of mp3s available, from my website at http://www.calumcarlyle.co.uk among other places. They are priced mainly on a pay-what-you-can-afford basis, so don't be shy. Just email me through FAWM if you have any issues buying them online.

I also help run Edinburgh's longest running songwriters-only open mic night, Out Of The Bedroom, and i now run a monthly showcase of acoustic music called Edinburgh Unlimited:
http://www.outofthebedroom.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/EdinburghUnlimited

Here are some cover versions i did last year in October. they were fun to do: http://songs.fawmers.org/users/calum-carlyle

2012 Songs

1	At The Hop	42 comments // 3 months ago
2	Strange Skies *	42 comments // 3 months ago
3	Steptoe (Blind Your Eyes mix) (with natchdan)	3 comments // 3 months ago
4	Burning In My Soul	33 comments // 3 months ago
5	It Could Happen To You	21 comments // 3 months ago
6	Listen To The People	22 comments // 3 months ago

Soundboard

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dragondreams 2 months ago

Hi Calum. Thanks for the listen - and yes it's me singing on Pollyanna's Playhouse.

I also sang on Donna's Addict on the Abyss too...
iocanepower 2 months ago

Thanks for keeping an ear on us this month, Calum! Happy to keep you entertained.
kristian 2 months ago

Thank you for the love on my collab with EF I am really sorry to hear about all the misfortune that have bogged you down, I for one felt that FAWM was a tad emptier without you this time around. Here's to you making a speedy recovery and get that damn insurance company to pay up: *virtual cheers*!
caterwauler 2 months ago

Thanks a lot for your very sweet comments and support, much appreciated, and apologies for being a poor commenter.
I'm glad you managed to post a few tracks this year, and they are high quality, so congrats for winning one more FAWM
fuzzy 2 months ago

No worries; I didn't take offense at your comments. As I said, I locked the song because I wasn't very happy with it - your words just reinforced what I already knew!
Thanx for the nice comment on the Bacteria Song!
donna 2 months ago

Thanks for your kind comment on 'One Tear Don't Mean A Heartbreak', Calum.
Once I've made a couple of minor lyrical adjustments and Billy has made a couple of music changes, I'll send it over to the female vocalist. Should be good.
lowartmusic 2 months ago

Thanks for the great feedback... yes all real with the exception of a waldorf micro q analogue synth.
iocanepower 2 months ago

Just because! (no more duplicates)
regnaracer 2 months ago

Hey, thanks for the kind words on Six Go Through the World, I appreciate it!
donna 2 months ago

Calum, I really appreciate your listening to 'Grave', and your very kind and encouraging comments. Indeed, I am - finally - beginning to feel a little more relaxed about the a cappella vocals. Your suggestion to have another go with this lyric is a good one.
fuzzy 3 months ago

Well, thanks (I think) for your candid assessment of my love song. It's OK if you don't like it; I don't like it much, either. I think I'll make it "private" to keep others from hearing it. I seem to be in a mid-game slump right now.
Since you liked the sound of it but not the tune itself, might I suggest another in the same vein that I'm happy with?
http://fawm.org/songs/25646/
valeriecox 3 months ago

Hi Calum. I can't say I know what you should have expected from 'Consume My Body' either, but it was definitely a new experience for me. I don't do dance music at all, but Kristian really knows his stuff. - Thanks for the comment.
elijah 3 months ago

Such kind words! The EITS comparison is flattering. Thanks so much!
elijah 3 months ago

Whoops, thanks for the heads up about my song files, should be sorted now!
gummunq 3 months ago

hihi! any time you have some cello ideas, let me know.
argenstock 3 months ago

thanks for the comment! Yeah, feel free to do something with it!
expendablefriend 3 months ago

Have sent you an email....
expendablefriend 3 months ago

Hey Calum, I've got a backing track in the works that you might be interested in for a collab. It's a little weird....and a bit experimental....and in 7/4....and it has bongos.....up for a challenge?
lhcisco 3 months ago

Hey thanks for the comment bro! Hope that shoulder is doing better.
bong 3 months ago

Calum! Dammit, you're on my watchlist, I have to watch you. Actually it's my pleasure, have an enjoyable fawm.
simonwaldram 3 months ago

Thank you for mentioning me in the "recommend songs" thread. You made my day with that.
roydesmet 3 months ago

Ok, thanks for the feedback. I was a bit concerned about my British accent because I'm not a native speaker and I'm studying English.
So I wish my British to be 'good' (I settle for 'good' since 'perfect' is near impossible)

Ok, so 'there come lots of children' is 'proper British'?
I think I already accidentaly mispronounced it that way,
so if I'd just change the lyric, no-one would notice ^^.

Thanks for your feedback, once again
ilayschipsana 3 months ago

Thanks for your comment And yeah, you're right, it is frustrating not to have your instruments with you....
roydesmet 3 months ago

Hello there, Calum
Can I ask you a favour?
I have this song which is a spoken sonnet recorded over some music. Both written by myself.
Could you provide me feedback on my pronunciation and the like? I know RP, if that helps.

This is the song *23796
Thanks in advance!
hammersmith 3 months ago

Common Drums for 2012 are now up...

http://fawm.org/forums/thread/3041/
nadia 3 months ago

hey calum! thanks for the comment! i'm glad you enjoyed my version of strange skies--my husband (who likes dance and electronic) was was really excited about it checking your version out shortly...
cloudboy 3 months ago

Handclaps! I wanted to break it up and tried a shaker but it didn't work. HANDCLAPS! Thanks. OH...and the whole political sci-fi tag is in my head for We Won't Run.
plainwhitetoast 3 months ago

I didn't actually play karimba on Strange Skies; I was just mentioning that it came in a goodie bag with the Stylophone, which did make it on the track. I will clarify that in my liner notes Thanks for listening!
karan 3 months ago

Thank you Calum, the demo was indeed broken - got it fixed now.
therman 3 months ago

Thanks for the comment, Calum! Glad you liked it.
expendablefriend 3 months ago

Thanks for all the comments, Calum, much appreciated

In answer to your question, that was a real melodica on Dragon! I don't have any harmonicas (harmonicae? no, that's silly). I'm a bit scared of them because they require me to know what key something is in...
bunnyhero 3 months ago

thanks for the comment! i think most other people use the ipad as a recording deck, but since i can't play any instruments i use it like a casio
$Elyon\'s mitten - anonymouse$ anonymouse 3 months ago

great recording of eye me mine. it sounds like your voice has matured a lot! but may just be the pose
dragondreams 3 months ago

Thanks for the feedback, Calum.

I turned the gain down on my amp (by accident) and discovered a whole different world of tonality. It won't last long.
chasingandromeda 3 months ago

Funny you mention the vocal on Prism Dance. I had a heck of a time finding a lead and writing a melody for that track because, in my head, I heard this very rhythmic, almost rapping vocal over the top. I almost put it out without the melody but decided to add it. So, yeah, I totally get what you were saying. Thanks for the listen and comments!
hoopshank 3 months ago

Hi Calum. Glad to hear you like FAWMer Foibles and see you might be coming to the London FOP this year - would be great to meet you!
bmullany 3 months ago

Thanks for comments on my song, First Time. The reason my song iis a cappella is I stopped playing guitar over the past year because i have Parkinson's disease and the tremors have gotten worse

Bob Mullany
gslade 3 months ago

go here -- http://fawm.org/forums/thread/2921/#fawmHeader -- see if you remember that one
nicksypniewski 3 months ago

Calum, thanks for the comment on Feeling Down. I'm amazed that the Beatles' 64-65 feeling came through. It's so rare for others to hear the specific influence that I'd cite for my tunes, so good on ya. If only I had the voice to sing those backing vocals (or even the lead vocal). I might, if time allows this Feb. do a re-recording of it with a fuller arrangement. Anyway, thanks again. Much appreciated.

Oh, btw, that locked thread from before - wasn't all that extreme really. I was actually done with commenting when it was locked. It's here if you want to see. http://fawm.org/forums/thread/2686/
karan 3 months ago

Calum's shoulder, now listen: you must get well soon! Take a good rest, and soon you'll be able to support his wonderful music again.

Heya Calum, what about lyrics? You could stock up, and make them into songs later.
whisperedcandles 3 months ago

How did you hurt your shoulder? OUCH!
nicksypniewski 3 months ago

Hey Calum,
Just wanted to voice my support for you in your "discussions" with a certain Cranberries fan and with the premature "winners". While I've frequently disagreed with you on things before, on this matter, I'm 110% behind you.

You're an idealist in terms of expecting people to have integrity and abide by rules, even if they're not strictly enforced. I am too. Problem is that the world doesn't work like that anymore, if it ever did. Mr. Cranberry has been here a week and I've already had an argument/locked thread with him and his condescending attitude. He came in thinking he ran the joint and no one seems to want to say otherwise. His mission here is not to write songs, it's to market himself. I'd be surprised if he finishes with more than 5 songs and (hopefully) won't be back next year. But there will be more to take his place. FAWM is great in the easy-going, nurturing attitude, but the "no conflict" ethos gets carried to the extreme, imo. Sure, be nice to people, but once they tell you you're crap compared to them and piss in your house, you've gotta do something. Will it happen? Probably not.

Same with the cheaters. I've done music for 35 year or so and I KNOW how long it takes, even a prolific writer, to write a song, let alone 14 of them and the produce demos. Nobody is telling me that they did that in a day or two. Again, when some authority is needed, it's missing and will probably continue to be.

Anyway, just wanted to say that in the place least likely to start a riot. Hope your arm gets better and the roof gets fixed. Cheers.
janeukey 3 months ago

Hiya Calum, hope your arm improves quickly, your roof stays solid and the insurance company pays up pronto...really sorry to hear all that stuff is taking you out of FAWM. See you round!
caterwauler 3 months ago

Thanks a lot for your sweet comment. Good luck with your roof, I wish you all the best.
musicsongwriter 3 months ago

Thank you very much for your comment Calum. Your album is awesome, I've listened to some of the tracks and will come for another listen soon. Good luck with getting better. May be have a go at lyrics and vocals?
A capella? Your voice is so beautiful and so unique! Take care.
songsville 3 months ago

Thanks for your comment Calum, I don't know WTF it is either, it just comes out that way ...
nickdickies 3 months ago

Thanks for your comments. Get well soon! I would be very frustrated if I would not be able to play the guitar.
subjectzero 3 months ago

Re: Run

Thanks for the comment! And totally not put off, the fact that people are giving me constructive criticism means I'm getting better! Mostly, I've been itching to write new stuff for a few weeks so I've been just recording and spitting songs out.
kimotcj 3 months ago

Re: The Caveman Likes His Rock

"i'm never sure which decade it is! 80s? 50s? 60s?"

The short answer is yes. I'm directly referencing 80s bands from Australia here -- most particularly, Hunters & Collectors (The Slab) and Hoodoo Gurus (Leilani). But that whole feel ultimately comes from Bo Diddley.
cloudboy 3 months ago

Thanks for the wonderful words and shout on the forum. It started as a waltz and stayed that way in my head even though it went to 4/4. Weird. Thanks for the catch. BTW...I am a cyclist, too. I broke my hand this summer and it blew not being able to ride or play guitar. I feel ya. Get better! BTW...I am adding hymn to the tag for it. Good call.
brzan 3 months ago

Thanks for the kind comments Calum! So sorry about your shoulder. Would drive me crazy not being able to play my guitar. Hope it heals quickly!
caseewilson 3 months ago

Hey Glad to see you aboard! xxxx
attim 3 months ago

Hey there ... hope the year of the dragon brings you better luck!
dragondreams 3 months ago

Hi Calum.

Genuinely sorry to read about all your problems, and I hope the shoulder heals soon!
tomslatter 3 months ago

Hi Calum, thanks for the kind words about Self Made Man. Yes, I am well aware that proggy concept stuff isn't to everyone's taste, but hey, I like telling stories I take it you decided to go ahead with FAWM this year after all?
jnatiw 3 months ago

Hey Calum, thanks for checking out the tune. Hope you heal up quickly and completely. And hope the roof debacle is getting resolved! Take care!
valeriecox 3 months ago

Terribly sorry to hear about your shoulder. Hope that heals well. And just maybe it will heal faster than you think and you can write some wit us. I always look forward to your tunes.
plainwhitetoast 3 months ago

Howdy! I never commented at NaSoAlMo, but I did listen to your album and thought it was quite well done. Good stuff. And again, thanks for all of your comments on my stuff. Too bad that site is such a trainwreck. I still have to post my album on my personal website (afraid to send folks to NaSo).
sherrycanary 3 months ago

Hi Calum

Sorry to hear about your injuries. any participation from you will be great!
ladyvinyl 3 months ago

Hi! I hope your shoulder gets better, that sounds really painful! D: Maybe we can collaborate next year. Thanks for the hypothetical offer, though, and I hope you enjoy my stuff! Happy listening!
musicsongwriter 3 months ago

Hi Calum, so sorry to hear about your injury Take care. Wish you feel better soon.
jamkar 3 months ago

Very sorry to hear of your injury Calum. Hoping to hear from you soon.
rosieposy8 3 months ago

oh no I wish you better soon. What happened? Sending healing magic your way!

Ros
blindkiwi 3 months ago

Hi Calum, just caught up on all the news, having had to rebuild after a leaking water pipe collapsed our ceiling I understand why some of the enthusiasm might be waning, and the shoulder certainly aint gonna help. As @donna said, if not now, I certainly hope you are back on board for the next 5090
All the best and a speedy recovery.
Cheers
Peter
donna 3 months ago

Really sorry you won't be participating fully this time round, Calum. Perhaps we can team up for something in summer during 50/90. Hope your shoulder heals quickly.
expendablefriend 3 months ago

Hey Calum, like robs I have also been enjoying your nasoalmo album, especially "In Different Ways" - that one's a particularly catchy track.

Sad you won't be posting anything this year....I can sympathise with the busy bit. But if you do get some unexpected music time you could always have a go at an a capella or two?

Anyway, heal fast and good luck sorting out all the stuff coming your way in Feb, hope we'll see you back writing soon.
robs 3 months ago

I have listened to your nasoalmo album. I really enjoyed it! It's not so heavy, I like the variation. The female voices are a nice addition as well. Keep up the good work!
musicsongwriter 3 months ago

Hi Calum. Looking forward to your new lyrics and songs. Hope to collaborate again
gerrybhoy 3 months ago

Hi Calum, let the smithing begin.
rosieposy8 3 months ago

Are u doing FAWM this year ? Please say yes!
deafsteever 3 months ago

Hi Calum! Good to see you again. I hope you can find the time to at least do a song or two for this year's FAWM. I especially love hearing your guitar-playing.

Anyway, take it easy. Cheers!

Stephen
tinam 3 months ago

calum its tina! i told you i would see you here ....hope you find time to take part
airbagtester 4 months ago

Hi Calum!