I have just got back from the second voyage of the Ghostship Lanterns, which sailed through the Water Rats this evening. Under freezing conditions, on a tube-struck Sunday night, the turnout was better than expected. We were in the unenviable last slot on the bill; normally reserved for headline acts, but at the grassroots level, invariably means the smallest, most saturated audience. Nonetheless, we were destined for the last spot, and with a bit of humble begging, the stragglers in the pub area were persuaded to bolster the numbers. In the end, we played to a receptive audience and seemed to get on alright.

Tonight saw our first post-recording performance of Perfect Storm, and was perhaps our strongest performance on the night. We're currently tending to race a bit during our set (only the second show!), but Perfect Storm works well either at the pace we record it or a bit faster, and playing it live a little faster feels right... don't forget there is a free download from this site if you sign-up!

I can't get used to all the waiting though... We were due to sound-check at 5:00pm originally, only to be told we would have a line-check before we went on at 10:30pm. I might get one of those kindle things, so I can read a book or something. All the waiting around and then playing the set reminded me a little like my love life: nothing for ages, then its all over in a flash.

On the Water Rats website, all the write-up and attention of the six-band line-up went to a band that was watched by perhaps three people, which goes to show how useful promoters are. I'm certain that even with no experience in the realm of music promotion, that I can (and I will) do better myself, with my own contacts of musicians, just hiring a hall somewhere and selling tickets: we don't ever see any money for these things, and it costs a bit to get there- so I think the time is ripening for an entrance into my own nights, one where I can harness the enthusiasm and talent of these grassroots artists, which simply is ignored by promoters.

The next outing for the Ghostship Lanterns is apparently at the Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel, so stay tuned and more info when I get it.