Finding a Lawyer...

Fortunately finding a specialist music lawyer is not as hard as I thought it would be; Paul (my manager) has been involved in the music industry sorting out royalty and accounts disputes for about 25 years, so he knows the who's who and the most suitable choices.

I think it's really important to get a good lawyer on board from an early stage - they can even help secure a deal - they know who's signing what, and frankly, labels can't afford to ignore what their lawyers are telling / selling them. Ignore your lawyer's phone calls and he might not do you justice when it really counts.

Thus, i've been hardcore plugging (again), and received an email from Richard Hoare at Clintons (the entertainment lawyers) requesting live London dates yesterday which is a real boost. So i'm on the case booking some as we speak!

James Collins from Collins-Long is also very keen to get involved. Will post more as this progresses... It's really important I get someone that understands what i'm doing and that I really get along with.

A&R interest...

This last week has literally been manic! There's been a lot going on in the Ashley Hicklin camp! I've had requests for copies of my proposed debut album 'Parrysland' from three A&R reps (Sam Gregory from Warners, Gordon Charlton from Universal and Jimmy Smith at Parlophone) and also Bob Miller & his crew at the Running Media Group (home of the lovely Corinne Bailey Rae may I add!)

I've also been setting up a few live solo sets in the big smoke via Tony Moore at the Bedlam. Will keep you all posted. Here's an acoustic recording of 'Live and Breathe' to give you an idea of what to expect live...

In the words of Nancy Meyers, "Something's gotta give!"

Co-writing with XL Talent...

Received a very nice email from the chaps at XL Talent yesterday, asking if I'd be interested in co-writing with the fantabulous John Fortis (who has written on the debut albums of Paolo Nutini & Razorlight). We're gonna have a little chat and take it from there...

Thank goodness my constant plugging over the last few months is gradually starting to pay itself off!